Nashville Predators 16 Predictions for 2016
The Nashville Predators are heading into the New Year with several questions about the team. We have some predictions for them.
In fact, we have 16 predictions to run through the end of the 2016 Predators season. Trades, Stanley Cup, local news and even a little future thrown in. We have 16 can’t miss predictions for the Preds for the remainder of this season:
A Big Trade
Let’s get this one out of the way. It’s going to happen folks. Whether it’s Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Matt Duchene, Ryan Johansen, or Eric Stall, the Predators will end up with a number one center. And it may be sooner, rather than later.
Win a Game in OT
I know it’s hard to believe right now, but the Predators WILL win a game in the 3-on-3 overtime period during the 2016 stretch of the season. It didn’t happen in 2015, but it’s a New Year!
Pekka Becomes Pekka
Mostly because we will have that #1 Center and it will cause a trickle-down effect, the defense will play more defense and Pekka Rinne will start stealing games like a bandit and get on a run like only he can. This will have a huge effect on the Preds playoff chances.
James Neal Breaks Goals Record
The Preds record for goals in a season is held by Jason Arnott in 2008-09 with 33. James Neal will eclipse that mark and become the fifth Pred with at least 30 goals in a season. Doesn’t 35 goals sound like a nice round number? Of course he only had 37 points last year, wouldn’t it amazing if he could match that in goals?!?
Nashville All-Star Game Best Ever
NashVegas sure knows how to throw a party and NHL folks will leave Nashville just shaking their heads after the All-Star Festivities wondering how it could ever be outdone again.
Calle Jarnkrok is Team MVP
The Jarnkrok-David Legwand trade will never be compared to the Filip Forsberg–Martin Erat trade but he continues to prove his worth this season in so many ways. He will go on a little goal-scoring tear and continue to do all of the other things he does so well. He won’t actually win any awards but may be one of the most indispensable players on the Predators.
“Goose Call Guy” Assaulted at Game
It will really come as no surprise that the guy that does the Goose Call every time that Paul Gaustad touches the ice will be assaulted in the stands by a drunken Blackhawks fan. He is not injured but asked to leave the call at home. The ‘Hawks fan is arrested.
Split Norris Votes
Roman Josi and Shea Weber continue to be the best pairing in hockey and both have Norris Trophy seasons but are snubbed
Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) celebrates with defenseman Shea Weber (6) after a goal. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
once again by Norris voters because so many split the voting between the pair. The Trophy would be nice but it sure is unbelievable being able to watch them work together night after night.
Jimmy Vesey Signs With the Preds
Toronto fans are crestfallen after Vesey signs with the Predators and Steven Stamkos resigns with the ‘Bolts. They were so sure they were going to get both of them.
Filip Forsberg Will Go Off
Folks will be asking, “What Sophomore jinx?”, after Forsberg continues his recent hot streak throughout the second half of the season. He and James Neal benefit by playing on a line with the new center and develop a true first line chemistry that is virtually unstoppable and carries the Preds.
Barb Murphy Announces Pregnancy
Noted Predators Seventh Man, Barb Murphy announces that she is “with child” but only needs a bigger jersey to bring her 85.5-decibel voice to the games right up until her forecasted 72-hour delivery. She mentions that it will be increasingly tough to get child care for games with more children.
Cody Hodgson is Gone
Whether by trade or waiver wire, the second of the Predators two big free agent pickups in the off-season joins Stevie Moses on the Bust Pile. For whatever reason, he just looks like an average player and after the trade can’t find a spot in the lineup.
Juuse Saros is the Future
The young Finnish goaltender has already shown what he can do in his first North American season. He is currently 13-3 and won 12 of his last 13 games for the Admirals. Pekka’s not close to done but he already has a youngster getting ready to take his place.
Krazy Kyle plays the Schermerhorn
When Nashville Symphony conductor Giancarlo Guerrero takes in his first ever hockey game at the ‘Stone he is taken by Preds organist Krazy Kyle’s amazing style and invites him to do a concert with the Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. We all knew he should have been there long ago.
The Preds Get Third Place
After a nice second half run the Predators come down to the final day jostling for position in the Central Division but finish behind the Dallas Stars and St. Louis Blues. They start the Playoffs against the Blues in the First round.
Next: Preds New Year Resolutions
No Stanley Cup
The Predators were hoping for a deep run in the playoffs but come up a little short. They end up sitting at home watching former coach Barry Trotz lead the Washington Capitals to the Stanley Cup over the St. Louis Blues.