Nashville Predators: Worst-case scenarios for the Predators
We want them to perform well. They are picked to play at a high level. But, it may not happen. What are the worst case scenarios for the Nashville Predators?
Hockey is starting. Pundits and fans are starting to talk about what can happen. Hope rules. Realism is just a negative thought. However, reality set in quick for the Nashville Predators this week. It was quickly replaced with thoughts of “that is why we signed Alexei Emelin,” and “we still have money to use.” But, honestly, we are all a bit panicked.
And that is okay.
With another hole to fill, there is less stability in the hopes of Smashville. The Bearded One, Ryan Ellis, is missing action. Lots and lots of action. And with that, we start thinking what if….
We can talk about the positive as much as we want. Yet, there a few worst-case scenarios.
Injuries
Nothing impacts a team’s chances of playing up to standard than injuries. When your best players are not available, your team becomes incapable of winning. It is the Kryptonite for ever Superman-line. Just look at the Predators in the playoffs without Ryan Johansen. Sure, they won a few games, but the offense was unorganized at best.
Now, Ellis is out. Nick Bonino is missing parts of the preseason. Kevin Fiala looks great in his rehab, but we will not know for sure until he gets hit.
The first thing that can – and will – impact the Predators from winning will be injuries. They can withstand a few here and there. Should a forward get hurt, pieces can be moved to fill the gap. It may not be the same production, but it will be enough to keep consistency.
On defense? That is an area of concern. Why? Because that is the true heart and soul of the Predators. Ellis is already out. Should P.K. Subban or Mattias Ekholm miss significant time, the Predators will be stressing. As will fans. More concerning would be an injury to Juuse Saros. With the aging Pekka Rinne in (possibly) the twilight of his career, Saros plays an important role. Sure, there are other options, but not to the level of Saros.
Arvidsson Struggles
Let us be honest. The success of the JoFa line was because of the emergence of Viktor Arvidsson. Yes, Filip Forsberg and Johansen are great players, worthy of top 50 consideration. However, the scoring threat that is Arvidsson opened up the entire offense.
Arvidsson allowed Peter Laviolette to place Kevin Fiala on the third line.
Is there a “sophomore slump?” Maybe. If you look at some players from year their freshman to sophomore years in the league, you will see slight declines. Like, Patrick Kane, who scored 72 and 70 points in his first two seasons, respectively.
Others, more significant downturns. Like, Jeff Skinner. In his first season, he scored 64 points. However, he only notched 44 points in year two. However, he did miss 18 games due to injury.
Then, there are those that explode in their second year. Exhibit A: Evgeni Malkin. Exhibit B: Connor McDavid.
Will Arvidsson be Exhibit C? We certainly hope so.
Rinne Struggles
Nothing will handicap the Nashville Predators more than Pekka Rinne struggling. We have documented his “decline” over the past few years. Less wins, higher goals allowed. If the pucks find the back of the net, more pressure will be on the offense to score.
There is already enough pressure there as it is.
But, Rinne is streaky. When he is on his game, he is amazing. The Nashville Predators need him to start the season off hot as they face five playoff teams in October, including the Chicago Blackhawks twice. Plus, the emerging Dallas Stars.
To me, however, it seems that Rinne is a man on a mission. Let us not forget his words in the Players’ Tribune back in July. The team believes in him. Fans are on his side. The motivation is there. Let’s hope that works in his favor.
Failing second line
This. This right here. The greatest hidden concern of Smashville is the second line failing. The losses of Neal and Colin Wilson, plus the retirement of Mike Fisher, has fans waiting to say “I told you so.” And all of them are on Twitter.
The fact is no unit in the NHL has more questions about them than the Nashville Predators second line. Nick Bonino is pencilled in as the center for the line, being flanked by Craig Smith and….
Well, that we don’t know. Maybe it is Fiala. Or Pontus Aberg. Could be Scott Hartnell.
Regardless, the number in the minds of Predators’ fans is 118. The total amount of points obtained by the common second line players of 2016-17. Should the combination of players not meet that standard, stay off of Twitter.
What if…
So, what if these things happen?
Well, honestly, if the team suffers another injury or two, the can still make the playoffs. If Rinne or Arvidsson struggle, they can make the playoffs.
However, if the second line falters or two of the other scenarios occur, we could be looking toward next season. Or, begging to trade for a new forward. Maybe signing Jaromir Jagr. Now that the team – and fans – have tasted greater success, patience will decrease.
Next: Should Ekholm Replace Ellis On Top Pair?
Granted, it is unlikely that all of these things happen.
But, what if….