Central Division Preview: Nashville Predators
By Jon Nomland
Nashville Predators
2013-14 finish: 38-32-12 88pts
Key Departures: Patric Hornqvist, Nick Spaling
Key Arrivals: James Neal, Mike Ribeiro, Olli Jokinen, Anton Volchenkov
End of an Era
Barry Trotz. Whether it was his time to go or not, his reign of the bench in Nashville is over. He was there since the beginning, the start of Hockey in the music city. Compiling a 557-479-60-100 record through 1196 games all-time, Trotz will go down as the coach that started it all. He was well liked, a family man and an avid volunteer amongst the community. The 2005 Community Spirit Award winner in Nashville was close to his players and fans, and was an understanding, kind and fair coach. Yet he demanded a lot from his players, a defensively responsible game. Fans saw him tone it down over the years though, into one of the more easy going coaches around the league.
"“At first, I’d be barking at guys and losing my mind when things weren’t really going well. I noticed when I did that, things got worse and worse. What I’ve learned is if you do that, it gets old in a hurry.”"
This is a mindset that may have worked well during Nashville’s multiple playoff seasons a few years back, but clearly has not been the case lately. While many fans wanted the axe to go to GM David Poile, for his lack of giving Trotz the help needed, a new coach for now is the route the organization will take. Some think that is the road needing to go down.
Someone… not as nice necassarily on the bench. Insert Peter Laviolette.
“Typical! Montreal! Typical!”
He’s edgy, hard-nosed and has a few hefty one-liners under his belt. Not afraid to let opposing players, coaches or refs hear his frustration either. Who could forget his encounter with Steve Ott going down the tunnel? Maybe it’s what the Predators need in a coach moving forward, maybe not. Only time will tell. New home for Lavi, and a brand new looking team he has to work with.
Holding a career 389-282-25-63 record, he was fired from the Flyers after a quick 0-3 start to 2013-2014 and looking for a bounce back. I’m not so sure I count him and his Preds out so fast after barely missing the playoffs by 3 points last year. Let us remember something about Lavi’s Flyers from a few years ago, he didn’t exactly have a Pekka Rinne in net, or a consistent defense. Yet his system had them contending in the East throughout his first 3 years in Philly. Something to think about.
"“We’re going to play a fast aggressive game. I like a team that is on the attack, looking to move forward.”"
Looks like he has the team that can play both of his favorite attributes. Colin Wilson could have a scoring surge this year in a breakout role if all pans out well enough with the “project” of Mike Ribeiro centering the top line. Doesn’t exactly sound like a top line centre name these days but with gritty sniper James Neal fresh in from Pittsburgh on the RW, this line could surprise people. Ribeiro is just two years removed from the point per game lockout shortened season when he put up 49 in 48. Claiming last year was a fluke because of his marital problems, he’s more focused now than ever and excited to get back on the ice. This is also Neal’s big chance to be that go to guy he didn’t get to be in the shadows of the stars playing in Pittsburgh.
Olli Jokinen stays in the division, coming across the border from Winnipeg to anchor the second line. Jokinen always plays the Wild well and I expect it to stay that way this year, if not better when youngsters Gabriel Bourque and Filip Forsberg play on either side of him. The veteran presence he will provide to these guys could make for an exciting 2nd line in Nashville with lots of potential. Bourque had a tough campaign last year only registering 26 points, as did Forsberg who looks to stick with the big boys in the NHL this year. Jokinen should be a good mentor for these guys.
Matt Cullen and Eric Nystrom are familiar names who look to be bottom six guys for the Preds. Another new toy for Laviolette, centerman Derek Roy has seen his production decline over previous years but could see some nice complimentary play alongside the speedy Cullen, and Craig Smith. Smith, one of the few bright spots for Nashville last year, had himself a nice campaign tallying 52 points through 79 games. May be a surprise to have him in a 3rd line role but all of this really depends on which player Laviolette has centering the 3rd. If it’s Calle Jarnkrok, a piece received when they sent Legwand to Detroit, than this could be another fun trio to watch. This kid is fast and could be the future number one centre of this team. Maybe even climb the ranks this year if Ribeiro and Jokinen don’t pan out. Known as “Ironhook” he had nearly a point per game last year with 9 through 12 contests with the Predators. His only downfall could be his weight, weighing in at only 156 lbs. Going to be interesting to see if that plays into effect of him staying with the club or being sent back down to the AHL with their minor league affiliate the Milwaukee Admirals. We saw a similar situation in Minnesota with Mikael Granlund a few short years ago.
The top 9 seems to be a nice mix of young raw talent looking for breakout seasons, with veterans spinkled throughout. A few of them trying to prove they still have it. Don’t forget Mike Fisher who will return from injury sometime in November, and will find his way somewhere in the top 6. How they fare against the Wild? I think they could be farely decent and compete, just not enough if you look at the side by side starting lineups.
On the defensive side of the ice, the obvious first thing you see is captain Shea Weber. The annual Norris Trophy candidate who always plays the Wild a little extra tough, is expected to lead a young defense alongside the likes of Roman Josi in front of a healthy Pekka Rinne. Rinne missed most of last year due to injury, but returns fresh and ready to get this year started. A healthy Rinne always gives this team a chance to win and should automatically improve a defense that was 23rd in GAA and 25th on the PK during 2013/2014. It will be interesting to see if he can indeed stay healthy and return to his Vezina finalist form. Among the other defenders, 20 year old sophomore Seth Jones and recently re-signed Ryan Ellis look at bigger roles for themselves, and even better play than last year. Ellis’ deal is some bargain at 12.5M over 5 seasons. Seems like they expect these guys to be the future of this D. Jones could see time split between the second and first pairing and is expected to have a nice offensive effort this year. He can definitely shoot the puck.
Signed to a one-year contract this summer, Anton Volchenkov joins the Preds not as a goal scoring Defenceman, but as a bruising, hard-hitting shot blocker. Among the league leaders of blocked shots since 2005, Volchenkov should find himself able to help the young Predators D and provide some more veteran leadership on the back end of the bottom pairing. Check out this crunch at the 30 second mark.
Nashville’s defence and goaltending match up almost the same against the Wild’s young, smaller sized blue line. A lot better than their forwards do. And If I had to choose which goalie to choose between the Wild’s trio (at this point) and Pekka Rinne, I have to admit I’m taking a healthy Rinne all day. With…. Darcy Kuemper a close second of course.
How’s this for a free agent/trade splash this year, in hopes of competing. I’m calling it now, come trade deadline, Nashville will be one of the few teams making a huge deal for another star player. They should look at winger Bobby Ryan, whose situation in Ottawa is still up in the air. Ottawa has no expectations this year, and Ryan with Neil? on the top line? in Smashville? All of a sudden things wouldn’t look as gloomy. I say threatening even. They should also continue to look at strengthening the centre position. Especially with Ribeiro, Roy, Cullen, Fisher and Jokinen all looking for an extension at this season’s end, I just don’t see Poile re-signing them all.
Look elsewhere! Make some moves Nashville!
Should be an intriguing year for the Predators with all of the new faces. Maybe a frustrating one as a fan of this team. There are definitely more skeptics out there than supporters, but I’m giving them more credit than most. I don’t think they are that far off from the playoffs and I truly believe, that they could be more dangerous than anyone thinks. As I contradict myself and say they are still going to be on the outside looking in when all is said and done. Not by much though, they will be nipping at the fifth place teams’ heels.
Opening Night Projected Lines
- Colin Wilson-Mike Ribeiro-James Neal
- Gabriel Bourque-Olli Jokinen-Filip Forsberg
- Matt Cullen-Calle Jarnkrok/Derek Roy-Craig Smith
- Viktor Stalberg-Derek Roy/Paul Gaustad-Eric Nystrom
- Roman Josi-Shea Weber
- Mattias Ekholm-Seth Jones
- Anton Volchenkov-Ryan Ellis
- Pekka Rinne
- Carter Hutton
Minnesota VS. Nashville Game Schedule
The Wild will try to tame the Preds 5 times this season:
Saturday 12/20/14 @ 7pm in Minnesota
Saturday 01/10/15 @ 1pm in Minnesota
Thursday 02/26/15 @ 730pm in Nashville
Tuesday March 03/17/15 @ 7pm in Nashville
Thursday April 04/09/15 @ 7pm in Nashville
Projected Central Division Standings Finish: (Note* These are safe projected standings)
1. Hawks
2. Blues
3. Wild
4. Avs
5. Stars
6. Preds
7. Jets
If all goes according to NHL forecasts, the Central Division and Western Conference in general is just too much for the Predators to handle and they take 6th in the division, (just barely) behind the five teams who made it last year. Give it 2-3 years, that sounds like a more realistic playoff return. Still, they won’t be an easy bunch to beat night in and night out.
BOLD PREDICTION
I am not yet entirely sold on Colorado or Dallas this year. Though, who am I to say? I may be completely wrong. No one saw either of them having the success they did last year making the playoffs. I personally just don’t think either did enough this offseason to strengthen their D. If the Avalanche or the Stars have a complete and utter failure of a year because of injuries, or just bad play due to such high expectations, everything could line up for the Preds to take 5th (dare I say 4th) in the Division and a Wild Card spot in the heated West. Again, this team only missed it last year by a measily 3 points, got better offensively this offseason, and have a healthy Pekka Rinne.
For the Second year in a row, 5 teams make it to the road for the cup out of the toughest group in hockey. If this happens, I wouldn’t suspect it lasts long for the Predators. Either a quick 4 or 5 game first round exit sends Nashville home early, but with their heads held high as they surprise everyone in the hockey world during the 2014/2015 season.