Why Nashville Predators' home opener vs Dallas Stars is a return to normal in several ways

You could say the Nashville Predators took the long way home.

After opening the 2022-23 season in Prague, Czech Republic as part of the NHL Global Series and sweeping the San Jose Sharks the Predators (2-0) will play their home opener Thursday (7:30 p.m., ESPN+, Hulu) against the Dallas Stars (0-0) at Bridgestone Arena.

It's been an abnormal start to what coach John Hynes hopes will finally be a normal season after having to deal with COVID-19 the last couple of years.

"It's exciting because obviously Bridgestone Arena is one of the best places to play whether you're home or on the road, but particularly at home with our fans," Hynes said. "It's nice to kind of get back to normal. Having the media in the locker room and being able to see people. It's always exciting start a season, but to be back truly to normal without COVID restrictions is really exciting."

The Predators were 45-30-7 in 2021-22 and 25-14-2 at home. They finished fifth in the Central Division, earned a playoff berth and were swept in the first round by the Colorado Avalanche.

TOMASINO TO MILWAUKEE: Predators assign Philip Tomasino and five others to AHL Milwaukee

GENTRY ESTES: what I learned about these Nashville Predators by following them to Europe

NIEDERREITER GOALS: Nino Niederreiter's two goals spur Nashville Predators past San Jose Sharks in Prague finale

The 2021-22 season was the end to what Filip Forsberg called some "weird years" because of the pandemic.

"Hopefully we're out of it and it's just going to be awesome to have all the fans back and behind us," Forsberg said.

Opening the season in Europe was a treat for the Predators, Forsberg said, and now it's time to get down to business against the Stars, who finished ahead of them in fourth place in the Central Division last season.

"We knew it was going to be a special trip just getting to go over there," Forsberg said. "Obviously, the games were big, but it was more of a fun experience for the group. Thankfully we took care of business and now it's time to regroup and start over again."

Down to 23

The Predators took 27 players to Europe and waited until after the Global Series to get their roster down to the maximum 23 players ahead of the home opener.

On Monday the roster was finalized. Players back from the 2021-22 season include Forsberg, Mark Borowiecki, Alexandre Carrier, Matt Duchene, Mattias Ekholm, Dante Fabbro, Cody Glass, Mikael Granlund, Tanner Jeannot, Ryan Johansen, Roman Josi, Jeremy Lauzon, Michael McCarron, Juuse Saros, Colton Sissons, Cole Smith, Eeli Tolvanen and Yalov Trenin.

Offseason additions include Nino Niederreiter, who scored three goals in the two games against the Sharks, Ryan McDonagh, Kevin Lankinen, Kiefer Sherwood and Zach Sanford.

Some key losses from last season include Luke Kunin, Nick Cousins and Matt Benning.

Opening day festivities

The traditional Player Gold Walk begins on the Bridgestone Arena plaza at 4:15 p.m.

Coffee and donuts will be provided to fans courtesy of Twice Daily at Pete & Terry’s Tavern Thursday morning.

Samples of the new concession items will be available at the tavern starting at 10 a.m.

The giveaway item for fans will be LED Preds flags presented by Nissan handed out upon entry.

There will also be lots of sponsorship activities on the plaza throughout the day, including Nissan, Hattie B’s, Great Clips, MAPCO, Jack Daniel’s, Fifth Third and more.

Fans are encouraged to be in their seats early to see the new pregame open video on FangVision.

Tickets

Tickets are still available and can be purchased at NashvillePredators.com/tickets.

Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on Twitter @MikeOrganWriter.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Predators-Dallas Stars home opener: Tickets, roster, food