Nashville Predators: Reaching Western Conference Finals again is major challenge

Everyone is buzzing over the Nashville Predators and if they can keep riding their hot streak into the 2017-18 season. It’ll be even harder this time.

Don’t expect the Nashville Predators to catch anyone off guard next season as they look to defend their Western Conference title. The opposition is now fully aware of them and what they bring to the table.

With all of the great success the Predators are coming off of comes elevated expectations from both fans and the players themselves. It leaves a lot of room for disappointment. Not trying to sound all doom and gloom, but that’s the way it goes when you’re coming off a crazy run to the Stanley Cup Final. Fans are now hungry for more, and expect more.

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The opposition, most notably the ridiculous Central Division, isn’t going anywhere. If anything, it’s gotten even better. My “off the radar” team that will make a big jump within the division will be the Stars. They’ve had an equally productive offseason as the Predators. Additionally, the Blackhawks, Wild and Blues are top contenders.

Simply put, the Predators have to stay hungry and keep that chip on their shoulder. Another run through the playoffs as an 8-seed is highly unlikely, meaning they need a stronger wire-to-wire performance in the regular season.

Against the odds

Despite such a great 2016-17 season, the Predators aren’t getting a ton of respect from the odds-makers. Many suggest the Blackhawks have the best odds within the division to hoist the Stanley Cup in 2018.

All the speculation show me a very competitive division, as it usually is. Again, the Stars are expected to make a jump up. Just another obstacle for the Predators to have to navigate around.  Also, the Blues are a steal at those odds. They deserve more respect as a top contender in the West. They’re the biggest hurdle that the Predators will have to get past to return to the Stanley Cup Final.

The Predators’ offseason is overwhelmingly a successful one at this point. They’ve held onto most of their core talent that has them as the reigning conference champs, with the exception of James Neal and Colin Wilson. The addition of Nick Bonino is a big one to add an all-around player with a championship pedigree to the roster.

A lot of scoring will have to be replaced now that Neal and Wilson will be wearing different uniforms. It most likely will have to come from the youngsters to each up their offensive output. That means the young nucleus of Viktor Arvidsson, Pontus Aberg, Colton Sissons and others will have to work even harder to avoid a setback. Winning the division will go a long way to setting themselves up for an easier path through the playoffs.

My biggest concern is if Pekka Rinne can keep up his hot streak from the postseason. Let’s forget about his woes in Pittsburgh considering he only plays there once a year. My focus is on a consistent Rinne, and a reliable Juuse Saros as a backup.

Next: Best Defensive Parings for Preds Next Season

There’s nothing wrong with increased expectations from fans. However, let’s prepare for some setbacks in a league full of parity. This isn’t to say that the Predators are flukes or can’t make another run. They certainly can thanks to all of the young talent that should keep trending upward. The major key is a stronger finish in the standings to give themselves a much easier path.