O’Reilly Takes Responsibility After Predators' Loss
Nashville Predators veteran Ryan O’Reilly criticized his own performance following the team's 3-1 defeat to the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. O’Reilly scored Nashville’s only goal in the game, which brought their record to 5-7-4, but he was clearly dissatisfied with how he played.
“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.”
Career Achievements vs. Current Struggles
At 34 years old, O’Reilly's self-criticism may seem severe given his career totals: 309 goals and 834 points over 1,168 games, including winning the Stanley Cup in 2019 with the St. Louis Blues. This season, he has recorded six goals and ten points in 16 games.
Leadership Role Amid Team Challenges
O’Reilly was part of the Predators team that underperformed last year, finishing third from last in the Western Conference despite offseason reinforcements. After Thursday’s loss, he urged himself and other veteran players to step up and improve the team's fortunes.
“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.”
The Predators also faced a strange situation on Tuesday when they lost in overtime to the Minnesota Wild, who scored after the net was dislodged.
Author’s Summary
Ryan O’Reilly openly accepts responsibility for his struggles, calling on himself and veteran teammates to lead a turnaround after a challenging start to the Predators’ season.