2015-16 Central Division Preview: Nashville Predators
2014-15 record: 47-25-10 (102 points)
2nd place in the Central Division, 3rd place in the Western Conference
Goals For: 232
Goals Against: 208
Power Play: 16.2% (25)
Penalty Kill: 80.8% (18)
Team Faceoff Pct: 48.9% (21t)
Key Offseason Moves
2015 Top Draft Pick: Round 2 – Pick 55 – F Yakov Trenin
Additions: Barret Jackman, Cody Hodgson, Steve Moses, Max Reinhart
Subtractions:
- Are the Predators better or worse heading into 2015-16? BETTER
The Preds sprinted out to an early division lead and were able to sustain their play through a series of tough injuries down the stretch, specifically one that kept Pekka Rinne out of the lineup for an extended period of time.
Nashville got to work this summer keeping their forward group in place, giving Mike Ribeiro (two years), Colin Wilson (four years) and Craig Smith (five year) multi-year contracts. Their blue line is in good shape with Roman Josi and Seth Jones continuing to provide quality play around captain Shea Weber. And Rinne is as good as it gets when he’s healthy.
Filip Forsberg was the buzz when the season opened, but he faded down the stretch. If he can become a 70-point player up front for the Preds, they’re in good shape for the future.
- Will Nashville be a playoff team this year? Yes
As long as Weber and Rinne are in the lineup, Nashville will be competitive. But the front office in Nashville has surrounded them with good, talented young players who should keep the Preds near/at the top of the division for the next few years.
News out of Buffalo this morning is that the young woman who was with the alleged rape victim has been subpoened before the grand jury next week. Things are starting to come to head on the Kane case. Clearly the DA isn’t dismissing anything…yet.
Nashville was a very good team last season and I see no reason to not expect the same this season. Steve Moses could be a nice addition if he can translate his goal scoring ability to the NHL. It will be interesting to see if a new environment will help Hodgson to finally reach his potential, or at least become better than bad. Adding Jackman to arguably the best d-corps in the league may not improve the defense but it definitely adds a “dickhead” element to their team that opponents will not like.
Good analysis. To see what Jackman contributes to the Preds will be interesting. More offensively minded since Peter L. took over for Barry T. Like last year, health and season long consistency will be key. Shea Weber is a beast.
why am I getting the feeling that in 20 years… we are going to turn on the NHL network and watch “A Day that changed the game” … and see Kane / Hawks 2015 summer
Wall-could well be a possibility…methinks this will set some serious precedents, policies and set the stage for how things are handled in the future from contract negotiations ( tightening up the language) to expanding the league and clubs role in prevention. Too many $’s and reputations at stake and this is a big serious one to set that stage. …. (that and hoverboards replacing skates and shiney magnetic surfaces replacing the ice).
Les Pres -da-tours ( as they say in Quebec ) …we spotted them a 3 goal lead, yanked out our #1 goalie and they still lost the game.
Preds – are my Pick to win and go the farthest out of Hawk’s Division (of course – major injuries considered)…. unless This Hawks/kane thing ends well/quickly for Hawks (which is most likely- not going to happen)
then again- very small chance that Hawks get lucky… Kane suspended/ hawks save cap- and things go well/quick in court… and Hawks have MORE $$$ at TDL + Kane!!!
Wall- again that could very well happen! Timely injury last year sure worked out pretty good.
This team started last year on fire and fade down the stretch. I think Peter Laviolette and the Preds are the team to beat in the central. I think Laviolette is a very good coach and underrated and will keep them near the top all year. This is a very balanced team with some good high end talent, Forsberg and James Neal are legit players and Nashville goes 3 deep in the blueline with Weber, Josi and Jones.
Rinne is one of the best in the game. Eventually he will put it together during April-June when is really matters. At 32 yrs old and never been past the 2nd round I have a feeling this may be his best shot.
Nashville has never won the division I think this might be the year.