Nashville Predators: Why the Predators will not win the Stanley Cup

Subban and Company

There is no doubt the Predators defensive combinations are among the best in the NHL. That is not just the opinion of us at Predlines, but throughout the league. But, the team relies too heavily on P.K. Subban, Roman Josi, and Mattias Ekholm.

The trio of defensemen account for 59 of the Predators’ 263 total points. That is 22.4% overall. Each ranks higher in points on the team than any of the touted center players. The only center that has more goals than any defensemen is Calle Jarnkrok.

Granted, Nick Bonino and Ryan Johansen have missed time due to injury. But the trend of relying on defensemen for scoring can impede the team’s chances of winning late in the season. The defense plays further in the offensive zone, leaving creases for opponents room to breakaway.

Can the forward lines contribute more? They look to be trending that way. Let’s hope it continues.