Nashville Predators: Three Things That the Predators Must Do On Opening Night

Depth Must Show Up

All off-season, the analysts raved about the Nashville Predators depth. Young skaters here, savvy veterans there. Two games into the season though, Scott Hartnell seems to be the only visible presence after the first line.

Sure, the first line is great, but they need help. If the lower lines can pull their weight, and then some, the first line will have more chances, as defenses will be forced to spread out their efforts.

Calle Jarnkrok, Pontus Aberg, and Colton Sissons showed the most improvement this offseason, so now its time to let that work show. Each only has 3 shots on net this season, and Jarnkrok is the only one with a point. All three are very capable forwards, and need to start showing it.

Aberg, Jarnkrok, and Hartnell have a chance to be a very solid line this season, with the speed and skill of Aberg and Jarnkrok, and the veteran physicality and vision of Hartnell. Once they settle into this new line pairing, they should be able to compete well, and help the Predators offense tremendously.

Craig Smith, Colton Sissons, and Nick Bonino have been less than impressive this season so far. This line starts with Bonino. He is under 50% in faceoffs this year, and has been noticeably slow. However, I’d like to attribute that to an awkward meeting with his old team, an ongoing recovery from a broken leg, and playing with two completely new wingers. With Bonino’s excellent leadership, I would be shocked if their struggles continued much longer.