Nashville Predators: Five bold predictions for the 2017 Predators

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.