Nashville Predators: Team in place may not be enough

The Nashville Predators are loaded with talent, though most of it is young. Is there enough ability to make a serious run in the Western Conference?

The shopping list of the Nashville Predators is nearly complete. Through the offseason, they added veteran players in key positions, re-signed talented players on the rise, and created extra caps space to make it all work. Only one item is left on the list: strike a deal with restricted free agent Ryan Johansen.

However, even with Johansen returning, do the Predators have enough to make another run at the Western Conference Championship? Surely, they can make it to that point due to the team being mostly intact from last season. And, while it took a great second half to even make the playoffs, the chemistry built should help propel them to the finals. Right?

Not so fast my friend

If there is a team in any sport the Nashville Predators remind me of it is the Chicago Cubs. A team laced with young talent that showed their ability to perform. Viktor Arvidsson is the hockey version of Kris Bryant. Then, Pontus Aberg could be Kyle Schwarber with his play in the playoffs. The amount of successful youth on each team is amazing.

Yet, it took two things for the Cubs to finally break through. They had David Ross. A championship-winning, veteran player the team could rally around through every situation. The Predators have Nick Bonino, a veteran player with championship experience.

The second thing? Beating their rival. In 2015, the Cubs lost the season series to the St. Louis Cardinals, 8 to 11. However, they bested their rival in the playoffs, beating the National League’s top team in four games.

Sound familiar? The Chicago Blackhawks won the season series versus the Predators, 4 games to 1. Yet, it was the series sweep over the Blackhawks that propelled the Predators to the Stanley Cup Finals. Sure it was in the opening round, but the confidence built was revolutionary.

However, that was last year. The Western Conference still goes through Chicago. Their tradition and power over the years is noteworthy. Are all the pieces in place for the Predators to win again in 2017? Maybe.

Next: Most effective pairings on defense for Predators

But, adversity is on the way. The team is strong, but will be facing a new challenge. Everyone knows the potential of the Predators. They just need to build on it, not rest.

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