Ryan O’Reilly Criticizes His Performance Following Predators' Loss
Nashville Predators veteran Ryan O’Reilly took full responsibility after the team’s recent 3-1 defeat to the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. Despite scoring Nashville’s only goal, O’Reilly expressed dissatisfaction with his own play.
“I’m the 1 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 Highlights and Current Season
At 34 years old, O’Reilly has a notable career including 309 goals, 834 points in 1,168 games, and a Stanley Cup championship in 2019 with St. Louis. This season, he has recorded six goals and 10 points in 16 games.
Team Performance and Leadership Challenges
O’Reilly was part of the Predators team that underperformed last season, finishing near the bottom of the Western Conference despite significant roster additions in the off-season. After Thursday’s loss, he called on himself and other veteran leaders to help improve the team's trajectory.
“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 Game Situations
The Predators also faced an unusual setback in overtime on Tuesday, losing to the Minnesota Wild after a controversial goal was allowed when the net came off its moorings.
Summary
Ryan O’Reilly’s candid self-criticism highlights leadership struggles amid the Nashville Predators’ disappointing start to the season and emphasizes the need for veteran accountability.