Nashville Predators Pros and Cons: Postseason Review

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May 9, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber (6) against the San Jose Sharks in game six of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Con : Ageing Leadership

This con strikes every team in the NHL. At the end of each season, the players are a year older than when the season ended the last time. “The Circle of Life” some animated films call it.

Captain Shea Weber has been a force at times this season- particularly when unloading his unparalleled slapshots on the powerplay. But the wear and tear of a brutal playoff schedule culminated in a disastrous second round Game 7 performance for Weber. And Game 7 is when you need a Captain to be at his best, not worst.

Finally surpassed by younger linemate Roman Josi in team value, the Captain’s standing as an elite defender has been called into question by many- his grit and power notwithstanding. And while Weber has served as an imposing force for years, he played the part of the victim in San Jose.

Contrarily, veteran goaltender Pekka Rinne looked nothing short of brilliant at times this postseason, holding his own window open seemingly at pure will. Also, veteran Alternate Captain Mike Fisher played arguably some of the best hockey of his career in the second round, centering Nashville’s most threatening line and marking six points in seven games.

And an upside to this “Circle of Life” analogy?

Next: Pro: The Kids Are Alright

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