Confession: It was difficult to shake the memory of Kevin Fiala’s frightening injury from the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs. If you need a reminder of the scary moment that ended what seemed like a breakthrough run, the video can be seen above this headline.
Another confession: personally, there’s been some concern about how well Fiala can bounce back, at least early on. One of the distinguishing characteristics of the young forward is his blazing speed; what if that’s been taken away from him?
Now, scoring two goals in the Nashville Predators’ 5-3 preseason win against the Columbus Blue Jackets doesn’t mean Fiala will avoid missing a beat in 2017-18.
Forgive Predators fans for getting excited, anyway, especially with goals like these.
Slick goal from Fiala #Preds pic.twitter.com/QAyPpcxMb1
— Nick Hankins (@nbhco) September 24, 2017
Wow.
Filip Forsberg got borderline-romantic about what Fiala did on Sunday, and again, can you really blame him?
Filip Forsberg on Kevin Fiala's 1st tally: "That’s just the things he can do. He’s just so skilled and it was a beautiful goal.” #Preds
— Brooks Bratten 🍪 (@brooksbratten) September 24, 2017
Again, the true tests for both Fiala and the Predators begin in October. Still, it’s better to look impressive at this time of the year instead of to go in slow (or injured, as the unlucky St. Louis Blues seem to be doing).