Brunette was focused on fixing the Predators, not securing his coaching job

NASHVILLE – Andrew Brunette said Monday he is focused on doing his part as coach of the Nashville Predators, helping them end a seven-game losing streak (0-4-3) and addressing any concerns he has about his could have job security.

The Predators (7-15-6) are last in the NHL in goals scored per game (2.18) and have been shut out five times. They have scored two goals or fewer in each of their seven losses, including three in the last three, and in 19 of 28 games this season.

“I think that’s been a part of the story most of the year,” Brunette said. “I think we had really good offensive zone times and were in the top five in the league. We deliver a lot of pucks, one of the top teams. They just don’t go in. We just got a bit bitten by snakes.

“I feel like there are certain nights where we left a few things on the board. It could be a completely different story if things were different, but we are where we are and all we can do is focus on tomorrow.”

Nashville hosts the Calgary Flames at Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday (8 p.m. ET; FDSNSO, SNW).

After being eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Vancouver Canucks, the Predators are coming off arguably their greatest offseason in franchise history. On July 1, they signed forwards Steven Stamkos (four years, $8 million average annual value) and Jonathan Marchessault (five years, $5.5 million AAV) and defenseman Brady Skjei (seven years, $7 million AAV). Dollar AAV). Stamkos (seven), Marchessault (five) and Skjei (two) have combined for 14 goals this season.

With things getting tougher on offense and casualties mounting, Brunette was asked about his job security after Monday’s practice.

“I think we’re at the end of our business, at least my business,” he said. “It’s like all of us in life. I don’t think we’re overly concerned about it.

“If it happens, it happens. When I say that, it is what it is. I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s game. I think something is bound to break, and hopefully it will break tomorrow.

Players have admitted it has been difficult to deal with frustration at times this season. However, they are focused on continuing to build chemistry and climb as high as possible in the table.

“We are where we are, you know?” said Nashville captain Roman Josi. “Of course there is a lot of room for improvement. We have to play a lot better and I think we all know that. At the same time, as I said, we are where we are, so we have to find a way out.

“We will continue to do that. We’ll keep trying. We’ll keep talking about it and keep trying to get better. Everyone wishes things were different, but that’s not the case. So together as a team, as an organization, we have to find a way to get out of this situation.”

As for the roster, Nashville general manager Barry Despite told NHL.com he’s not willing to shake up his roster or take panicked measures to get short-term help at the expense of long-term gains.

The Predators entered Monday trailing the Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche by 12 points for the two wild cards in the Western Conference.

“I’m patient,” said Despite. “I’m always looking at the commercial market, but I’m not going to give up prime real estate for rental properties or anything like that. It has to be someone who will help us now and in the years to come.

“I am not changing the plan that we have discussed in detail with the owners. They understand the plan and hopefully we can thread the needle here, get back in contention and play meaningful games down the home stretch.”

NHL.com staff writer Mike Zeisberger contributed to this report