Nashville Predators: Five bold predictions for the 2017 Predators
The calendar has filled to September. Players report soon. And hope breeds eternal. What is possible for the Nashville Predators in 2017?
Finally. After two and a half months, September arrives. Prospects hoping to make the Nashville Predators report to camp next week. Veterans the week after.
After all the success of last season and the roster moves since, talk surrounding the Predators focuses on how good they can – or will – be. Pundits suggest the team to be the next dynasty. Many are picking the team to contend for the Western Conference. Still, others suggest the Predators will be the last seed in the conference playoffs.
What do I think? Well, I tend to be in the middle of those topics. They will not be the lowest seed, but not the top seed either. And that is okay. However, looking at the team’s roster, the potential for big things is apparent.
Here are five bold predictions for the Nashville Predators in 2017-18.
Goals, goals, goals.
Last season, the Predators finished the season ranked 11th in goals scored. However, only three players – Viktor Arvidsson, Filip Forsberg, James Neal – notched 20 or more goals. They were only 11 goals away from being in fifth place. Those goals exist on the team this season.
Sure, Neal is gone. So are the 30 combined goals of Mike Fisher and Colin Wilson. So, the team needs to make up 53 goals from player no longer on the team. That should not be too hard.
Arvidsson and Forsberg can – and will – reach the 30 goal mark again. Probably more. Ryan Johansen can reach 20, even though he is known to assist. But, it is the second line that will matter the most. The combination of Nick Bonino, Craig Smith, and Kevin Fiala will attain 60 goals. That will be easy. Both Bonino and Smith are capable of 20 goals, and given the raise in minutes on the ice, they will reach that mark. Fiala is the wildcard, but his speed and creativity will be a deadly. Are there 20 goal on his stick? Absolutely. Do I hear 25?
Additionally, more opportunities for Calle Jarnkrok and Colton Sissons will up their goal totals from last season. And, with Fiala on the second line, Pontus Aberg will find the ice, and the net.
When all is said and done, the Nashville Predators will be a top-five goal scoring team in the NHL.
Putting on the pressure
Here is an interesting stat from the 2016 season. The Nashville Predators were outscored 67 to 55 in the first period. The second period was a different story, with the Predators winning the battle 101 to 69. In the 45 games when opponent scored first, the Predators won only 16. If the Predators scored first, they won 25 games out of 37.
That will change. In 2017, the Predators will look to but pressure on their opponents by scoring first. Playing with a lead means the defense can do what they do best: shut down the other team’s offense. When leading after the first period, the Predators won 15 of 20 games.
They will lead more than 20 games after the opening period. It will be closer to 35. They will score first in 45 games. Why? Because they will score 70 goals in the opening period, allowing only 55.
And the Predators will win 34 of those games.
Among Scoring Leaders
Last season, the JoFA line dominated. Three players, 180 points. However, none of the three were top 20 in goals or points. Johansen was tied for 11th in assists.
In 2017, Forsberg will challenge to be a top-10 goal scorer. Arvidsson? Top-15. Johansen? Big things.
Talk that he is not a top-15 center in the league put a chip on Johansen’s shoulder. The discussion of the Predators paying too much for him challenges his ego. Look out, NHL. A season of 25 points and 55 assists will push Johansen into the top-10 in assists and points.
Is an 80-point season enough for those that suggest he is not that great?
Rinne for the win
I get it. Pekka Rinne is an aging goalie. He will be 35 in November. And, he is streaky. But, things are different now. He tasted the Stanley Cup Finals. He knows the end is near. Motivated, Pekka Rinne puts of an amazing season.
Now, I am not saying he will lead the league in all statically areas. However, he will see improvement. Honestly, save-percentage is like the fielding percentage in baseball. Everyone is around the same point, just a few points away from the median. As for quality starts, Rinne will be closer to .600 than before. Goals allowed will be 2.2.
Why? He is motivated. And, the defense is really, really good.
Look for Rinne to have a great season. He may not play in more than 65 games, but he could obtain his second 40-win season.
Playoffs?
Yes, Jim Mora. Playoffs.
The Predators will easily make the playoffs, ranking as the third seed in the Western Conference. With a record of 47 wins, 29 losses, and 6 ties, the Predators finish the season with 100 points.
They win the first round series in five games.
For the second round, they take six games.
But, for the Western Conference Championship, it will take seven games. Who wins? You will have to tune back in later for that.
Still, it will be an amazing season for the Predators. Big things are expected.
Next: Top Plays from the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs
I know the fans are ready. Here is hoping the team is as well!