Nashville Predators: Central Division primed to be NHL’s toughest

The NHL is filled with tough teams, but the Central Division may be the toughest in 2017. The Nashville Predators look for a chance to win it.

The tumultuous offseason is winding down, and we are ever closer to opening training camps. News of transactions cool off from their fiery flurry and fans sit back waiting for the ice to form. Many of the Nashville Predators’ fans bask in the glow of calling their team Conference Champions. It was a fun offseason for most.

But, now we brace ourselves. The anxiety and pressure that comes from success starts to weigh on our minds. Hockey is coming. And the Predators play in one of the toughest divisions in all of the NHL.

Last year, four teams slid into the playoffs. The year before saw five from the Central Division hunting for Lord Stanley’s Cup. Could that happen in 2017?

Yes. And, dare I say, it will happen. The question remains what five teams will be in the mix, but six hold serious interest in the coveted spots.

How does the Central Division shake out? Let’s take a very early look into the season, and predict the final standings.