The Nashville Predators earned a big 2-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets last night in Bridgestone Arena. Behind a solid effort from their defense and goaltending, plus a couple of timely goals from Cody Glass and Tanner Jeannot, the Preds climbed to within three points of a playoff spot.

It was one of the Preds’ most complete games in recent days, with Nashville dominating in many offensive categories. They owned the shot count (41 to 33), hit count (29 to 19), shot attempts (66 to 60), expected goals (4.1 to 3.3) and actual goals (2 to 1).

Tanner Jeannot scored his first goal in 38 games to put the Preds up 2-1 just over five minutes into the 3rd period, but it was Cody Glass who got the scoring started for Nashville.

With the Jets holding a 1-0 lead, the Preds were bearing down for several minutes in the 2nd period, flooding the Winnipeg net with shots. Connor Hellebuyck turned away several good chances, but eventually a shot by Roman Josi from the point found its way to Glass in the slot who tipped it home for his 6th goal of the season.

It was a big moment for Glass, not only because it tied the game, but because of the opponent.

Cody Glass grew up watching Winnipeg

Cody Glass grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, a big fan of the Jets. In 2011, he even attended a Jets draft party to see who his favorite team would take in their first ever draft since relocating from Atlanta.

And who did the Jets take at #7 overall in that draft?

Mark Scheifele.

The same player that Glass, some 12 years later, finds himself line matched against in a key Central Division showdown at Bridgestone Arena.

“I watched these guys growing up,” Glass said after the game. “Scheifele and all those guys were like my favorite players. So, going against those guys, kind of gives me that extra motivation.”

Last night, Glass held Mark Scheifele to just one shot on goal in over 20 minutes ice time. Scheifele’s linemate, Blake Wheeler, also had only one shot. Neither player factored into the box score.

Meanwhile, Glass had the game tying goal and finished with a season high seven shots on goal in 15:14 ice time.

But that’s not all.

When you look a bit deeper, Glass’s line with Filip Forsberg and Matt Duchene shut down Scheifele’s line at all levels. With Glass, Forsberg, and Duchene on the ice at even strength, the Preds had 17 shot attempts, while the Jets had only five. Expected goals were even more in the Preds favor, edging the Jets .95 to .21.

It was a great performance from Glass, but important to point out that his linemates Filip Forsberg and Matt Duchene played a big role as well. Those two have looked noticeably faster and more aggressive since the “uncomfortable team meeting” that occurred last Saturday.

Not everyone gets a chance to challenge their sports heroes in competition, especially at the professional level and in a game that matters. But Cody Glass got that opportunity last night and took advantage, leading the Nashville Predators to victory and picking up two huge points.

— Featured image via Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports —

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