O’Reilly Criticizes Himself After Predators’ Loss
Nashville Predators veteran Ryan O’Reilly took full responsibility after the team’s 3-1 defeat to the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. O’Reilly scored Nashville’s only goal in the loss, which dropped their record to 5-7-4, but was clearly unhappy with his performance.
“I’m a centre, turn the puck over everywhere, can’t make a six-foot pass to save my life. We’re not going to have much success if I’m playing pathetic like that. I’ve had one good year in my career. I don’t have an answer, that’s for sure.”
The 34-year-old forward’s self-criticism is tough considering his career totals: 309 goals, 834 points in 1,168 games, and a Stanley Cup win in 2019 with St. Louis. This season, he has scored six goals and tallied 10 points in 16 games.
Call for Leadership Amid Struggles
Last year, O’Reilly was part of the Predators team that underperformed, finishing third-last in the Western Conference despite an offseason roster boost. On Thursday, he urged himself and other veterans to improve the team's outlook.
“The last few games, I’ve been making mistakes left and right. You can’t expect to win like that. There’s frustration everywhere. Guys are working, a lot of guys are working. It falls on leadership and we have to be the ones to get over it.”
Recent Tough Breaks for Nashville
Nashville also faced a controversial moment in overtime against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, where the Wild scored after the net came off its moorings, contributing to another tough loss.
Author’s summary: Ryan O’Reilly openly holds himself accountable for the Predators’ disappointing start this season, emphasizing the need for veteran leadership to turn things around.