I begin today's Central Division preview with the Nashville Predators.
I will have the same format for all teams and will recap after I've covered all teams (including the Blackhawks) with a prediction of how the division will shake out.
The format will be straight-forward with a 2018-19 Recap, Additions, Subtractions, Projected Lineup and an outlook on the 2019-20 season.
Let's go!
2018-19 Recap:
The Nashville Predators won the Central Division last year by 1-point. Their record of 47-29-6 was good for a 100-point effort for the 2018-19 season.
Unfortunately (if you're a Preds fan), their season ended early with a loss in the 1st round to the Dallas Stars.
NSH's bread and butter was all about keeping the puck out of the net as they ranked 3rd overall for GA with 214. That was thanks to another great regular season from 36-year old goaltender Pekka Rinne as well as an elite top 4 D core in Josi, Ellis, Ekholm and Subban.
Their issue at times was – like many teams – scoring consistency as they lit the lamp 240 times which ranked 19th out of 31.
They looked to take care of that problem by adding Matt Duchene to their top 6 for that added scoring punch. The problem though? They have to move P.K. Subban to fit Duchene under the cap. David Poile is sure hoping so as he's put all his eggs in the Duchene basket, paying him $8M per for 7 years. Other than that, this is essentially the same Preds team.
Who's IN: Duchene, Carr, Santini
Who's OUT: Subban, Boyle, Hartman, Simmonds Projected Lineup:
Forsberg – Duchene – Arvidsson Jarnkrok – Johansson – Granlund Sissons – Bonino – Tolvanen Carr/Watson – Turris – C. Smith
Josi – Ellis Ekholm – Fabbro Hamhuis – Santini
Rinne Saros
2019-20 Outlook:
The Predators are almost at the cap with approximately $1.3M remaining in space according to CapFriendly.
They don't have any lingering RFAs kicking around still, so this is essentially their team.
From an unbiased perspective, while I like the Duchene pick up for Nashville, I think losing Subban in the process isn't a huge upgrade.
Yes, Subban and flashy and a loud personality, but he is an effective top 4 D which I believe the Preds will miss.
Is Dante Fabbro ready for big-time minutes? I guess we'll find out. He can at least lean on one of the better defensive defenders in the division in Ekholm to help him out.
Another question I have is whether the soon-to-be 37-year-old Rinne can put up big numbers again? We know his post-season reputation isn't the best – as we witnessed again last Spring – but will father time start to catch up to him in the regular season as well?
Luckily the Predators has Juuse Saros waiting in the wings to bail him out if need be.
Overall, I think the Preds could score a few more goals however, I think they may let more in. So a wash in my books.
They're a good team but (SPOILER ALERT) I don't have them #1 in the Central this year.
But hey... what do I know... I'm leaning on fellow HB writer for further analysis of the team - Paul McCann. He covers the Predators here and makes some excellent points on the hiring Dan Lambert, injuries and rebound seasons for guys like Turris and Granlund: "The actions taken in the offseason will certainly help the team offensively. The addition of Matt Duchene should help the power play on the ice and the hiring of assistant coach Dan Lambert should help it off the ice. Keep in mind, this is a 100 point team that has won the division for two years straight. Imagine what position the team would’ve been in last season with a decent power play…
And before you say it… both points about the power play are true and not in conflict when you look at it.
The other thing I expect to be better, health. Injuries hurt this team throughout the first half of the season… think about what Viktor Arvidsson would’ve posted if he hadn’t missed a large chunk of the season, let alone Filip Forsberg.
I also expect much improved performance from Kyle Turris and Mikael Granlund… this team will be better from an offensive standpoint… now defensively?"
(source: Paul McCann - https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Paul-McCann/31-in-31-Thoughts---Welcome-New-Sponsor/24/101016)
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Thoughts on the Predators?
See ya out there!
JL
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