Peepin' Foes Preview Edition: Nashville Predators

Ah, Nashville. Another Western Conference opponent we have rarely seen, and one we really didn't get to see last year as one of the 'great blizzards' swept through New York City and kept thousands of True Blue away from the Garden back in February. The Preds are also the one team that many people who do the name-all-the-NHL-teams tests often forget. It is easy to overlook the epitome of mediocrity in the NHL - they have an unassuming coach, a simple system and no superstars. Barry Trotz has yet to win a Jack Adams Award but he does deserve it for getting so much out of so little year after year.

Familiar Foes: No Jason Arnott anymore but a lot of the foot soldiers still remain - Steve Sullivan, David Legwand, JP Dumon, Martin Erat, Francis Bouillon, etc. The closest thing to stars they have are defensemen Shea Weber and Ryan Suter and goaltender Pekka Rinne. A big, technically solid Finn, Rinne may actually buck the Nashville trend of upstart goaltenders promptly losing their jobs to their backups. Patric Hornqvist came out of nowhere to save fantasy teams around the world last year with a 30 goal season but who knows if he will be able to avoid the sophomore slump. The big albino Wade Belak and the little annoying eskimo Jordin Tootoo are still providing the sandpaper in the Music City - setting up nice matchups for Boogaard and Avery/Cally. Colin Wilson - Carey's kid - scored a goal in the one game in the Garden last year and should be better in an injury-free season.

N00bz: When Arnott jumped ship David Poile picked up Matt Lombardi to replace him. Lombardi has never scored more than 20 goals before (in Calgary or Phoenix) but never was called upon to be the man like he is now. The Preds will hope Trots can bring out his best, same with former Ranger Jamie Lundmark and the lesser Kostitsyn, Sergei.

Last Year: Wednesday, February 10th, a 2-1 Nashville win.

This Year: Saturday, November 27th in Nashville.

What They Mean To Blue: A gut check. The game against the Predators comes at the back end of a stretch of six games in nine days, five of which are on the road, four are in a pair of back-to-backs - this one being the night after a Panther game.

 Peepin' Foes Preview Edition: Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators, a franchise known for its passionate fan base and thrilling hockey, are gearing up for another exciting NHL season. As the puck drops on a new campaign, it's time for another installment of "Peepin' Foes Preview Edition," where we provide an in-depth look at what to expect from the Nashville Predators in the upcoming season.

In this article, we'll delve into their roster, recent performance, key players to watch, and answer some frequently asked questions about the team. Whether you're a devoted Predators fan or simply intrigued by this dynamic NHL franchise, our preview has got you covered.

Nashville Predators Roster Analysis

The Nashville Predators have been a consistent presence in the NHL's Western Conference. Let's examine some key aspects of their current roster:

1. Offense:

The Predators have a mix of veteran leadership and young talent on their forward lines. Filip Forsberg is a scoring machine, while Matt Duchene and Ryan Johansen provide playmaking ability and depth.

2. Defense:

The Predators have a strong defensive core, led by Roman Josi, the reigning Norris Trophy winner. Mattias Ekholm and Ryan Ellis add to the blue line's strength.

3. Goaltending:

In goal, Juuse Saros is the Predators' starting goaltender. His agility and ability to make crucial saves have been vital to the team's success.

Recent Performance

The Predators have enjoyed periods of success in recent years, making deep playoff runs, including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2017. In the 2020-21 season, they finished fourth in the Central Division and advanced to the playoffs.

While they were eliminated in the first round by the Carolina Hurricanes, the Predators displayed their competitiveness and determination. The team's management has made moves to strengthen the roster, and the Predators aim to return to playoff contention and compete for the Stanley Cup.

Key Players to Watch

Filip Forsberg: Forsberg's scoring ability and offensive prowess make him a player to watch. He has the potential to be a game-changer and lead the team in goals.

Roman Josi: Josi's all-around game and leadership on the blue line are essential to the Predators' success. He sets the tone defensively and contributes offensively.

Juuse Saros: Saros's development as the starting goaltender is critical. His ability to make big saves and provide stability in the crease will be closely monitored.

Matt Duchene: Duchene's playmaking ability and experience add depth to the Predators' forward group. His vision and passing can create scoring opportunities.

Mattias Ekholm: Ekholm's defensive reliability and ability to contribute offensively from the blue line make him a key player on the team's blue line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How important is Roman Josi's leadership to the team?

Roman Josi's leadership is crucial to the Predators. As the captain and a Norris Trophy winner, he sets the tone on and off the ice and plays a pivotal role in their success.

2. What is the Predators' playing style known for?

The Predators are known for their strong defensive play and structured game. They emphasize responsible two-way hockey and rely on strong goaltending.

3. Can the Predators compete for a Stanley Cup in the near future?

The Predators have shown that they can be competitive in the playoffs. Their ability to contend for the Stanley Cup depends on their performance and adaptability during the postseason.

*4. Are there promising prospects in the Predators' organization?

Yes, the Predators have promising prospects in their system, including Eeli Tolvanen and Philip Tomasino. These young players could play significant roles in the team's future success.

*5. How has the addition of Matt Duchene impacted the team's offense?

Matt Duchene brings playmaking ability and offensive depth to the Predators' forward group. His vision and passing have the potential to elevate the team's offensive production.

The Nashville Predators, a franchise with a passionate fan base and a commitment to success, are poised for another exciting NHL season. With a mix of skilled veterans and emerging stars, they aim to build on their legacy and compete for a Stanley Cup.

As the new NHL season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Predators as they strive to return to playoff contention and make a deep playoff run. Whether they achieve their goals or not, one thing is certain: the Nashville Predators will continue to be a team worth watching and supporting as they pursue excellence in the world of professional hockey. So, get ready for another thrilling season of Predators hockey as they aim to make their mark once more in the NHL.