Nashville Predators: What if the players were Star Wars characters?
With the latest installment of the Star Wars saga released, I thought it would be fun to compare the Nashville Predators to characters from the series.
I am sure it comes as no surprise to anyone that I am a huge fan of the Star Wars saga. Have been all my life. When the tickets went on sale for The Last Jedi, my wife purchased our tickets for opening night. My mind is still racing through the movie, analyzing what I witnessed. As I looked over things for the Nashville Predators, I started comparing players to characters.
Now, getting home at 1:30 AM and having to get up at 5:30 AM to get kids ready for school and myself off to work creates a tired mind. So I waited until after I rested to get into this piece.
Seeing it twice only confirms my initial thoughts.
Of course, most of you are familiar with the movies. You know who the main characters are, the storylines, the goofy moments and the amazing action that transpire. When it comes to generating these comparison, it takes creativity. But this is supposed to be an exercise in fun and not reality.
So, here is what I will do. While I have read the books in the Star Wars canon, as well as many of the newly-dubbed Expanded Universe texts, you may have not. Therefore, I will limit my comparisons to solely the characters in the movies. Lastly, these are just my thoughts. Certainly, with comparisons like this, it is easy to see things differently.
And with that let’s begin. May the force be with us.
Ryan Ellis – Chewbacca
This one may be the easiest of all the comparisons to make. Chewbacca is often seen as the loyal side-kick to Han Solo in the movies. If it weren’t for the live debt Chewie owes, he wouldn’t be with Han. Yet, his role is super important throughout the movies. Chewie expertly flies the Millennium Falcon through the toughest of situations. He is willing to help and is great in a fight. Plus, he is hairy.
Similar things can be said about Ryan Ellis. The defense certainly plays at new levels when he is on the ice. Ellis is a physical presence, and led the team in blocked shots last year. And while his play is significant, he is easily one of the most overlooked players on the roster.
Like Chewbacca, who is lethal with his bowcaster, Ellis is a great shot with the puck. Last season, he notched a career high 16 goals on an 11.4 percent of his shots. That is the same percentage of James Neal.
When Ellis returns, be ready for some great moments. Even if they don’t show up on the stat sheet.
Viktor Arvidsson – R2D2
The Star Wars universe couldn’t exist without the spunky droid. R2D2 is needed for everything. He was the vehicle which Princess Leia used to get her message of desperation to Obi-wan. Without R2D2, the trash compactor would have crushed Han, Luke and Leia. And, let’s not forget when he shocked an Ewok after he being tied up and annoyed. Whenever the team needs him, R2 steps up and serves, no matter what is going on.
And, honestly, R2 gets come of the biggest cheers from fans.
That sounds like Viktor Arvidsson to me. Sure, a line with Ryan Johansen and Filip Forsberg is potent enough, but Arvidsson just provides a punch no one else can. When the team needs a goal, Arvidsson is there. He is quick on his skates and not afraid to get into the fray.
Right now, Arvidsson is fifth on the team in blocks, tied with P.K. Subban and Matt Irwin. He is second in points and third in goals. But it is his tenacity and energy on the ice that draws the biggest comparison to R2D2 for me. Arvidsson is just as punky as the droid.
And the fans love him for it.
Filip Forsberg- Poe Dameron
With the release of the newest trilogy came new characters. One of these is the trigger-happy star pilot Poe Dameron. The new lead “fly boy” of the Resistance fleet certainly takes risks. But, his oft rash ideal payoff more times than not. Will his hubris catch up with him? Regardless, the Resistance is better with him on the squadron.
The same can be said for Filip Forsberg. Like Dameron, Forsberg is an excellent shot but reserves it for moment that matter. He patiently waits for the moment to come and strikes. His team leading 15 goals come off an 18.4% shooting percentage.
Forsberg is quick on the ice, maneuvering like an expert pilot in a dog-fight. If there were a player on the Nashville Predators to take the chance on a risky play, it would be Forsberg. While he may not shoot, it will make sure those around him are ready to take aim.
And, to me, Forsberg plays with confidence. It can come across as brash at times, but you will follow him into any battle.
David Poile – Yoda
Throughout the series of Star Wars, the wisdom of the little green Jedi is on display. The sensing of fear in a young Anakin or the frustrated feelings within Luke gave Yoda pause before training either student. The willingness to fight when it is called for, knowledge of tactics, and ability to put people in place for success. Yoda’s touch in on all parts of the series.
“Do or do not. There is no try.” This might as well be the motto of Nashville Predators’ General Manager David Poile. There is no maybe in terms of deals with Poile. He sees the roster on the team and is willing to move pieces as needed, no matter what piece he loses. There is great wisdom in this work, as if he sees the board four moves in advance of his opponents.
Sure, he may look like an aged Harry Potter, but the mysterious ways and moves of Poile mimic that of Yoda. Especially when looking at the Yoda of the original trilogy. Both use frankness and wisdom in all they do.
P.K. Subban – Han Solo
Arrogant or confident? Dpends on which side you sit. Regardless, Han Solo moves with an undeniable swagger and confidence. Smooth talking, self-assured and with a heart of gold, Solo is a crucial part of the entire Star Wars story.
Need a pilot to get help you save the day? Solo is your guy. Want someone to lead a small rebel party onto a forrest moon and blow stuff up? Han Solo. A friend not come home on a cold winter night and you need someone to find him? Better call Han. Need a quick plan to get a score and get out? That’s Solo.
For the Predators, P.K. Subban is the man. He may be a scoundrel, but he is our scoundrel. When the situation calls for it, he shoots first. And, while he may appear over-confident, his heart is pure gold. Subban brings police officers and at-risk youth for Predators home games. He raises funds for kids in hospitals. And, he host charity hockey events all the time.
But also travels the word taking selfies with celebrities from all walks of life, has an HBO series, and boasts a fashion line.
When push comes to shove and his team is down, there is no one better than Subban to come in and knock out the enemy fighters.
Kyle Turris – Luke Skywalker
The young blue-eyed, blonde hair man from Tatooine is filled with raw talent, and a desire for more than he even knew. While much of the Star Wars story centers around Luke Skywalker, he is fine to lay in the background just as much as anyone else. The forgotten boy from the desert planet becomes the heroic figure and symbol of greatness.
Enter Kyle Turris. Was anyone really talking about him during his time in Ottawa? Sure, he was a contributing player with the Senators, but not the focus. Yet, when he came to the Nashville Predators, the team instantly had balance. Now the second line has a quiet leader making those around him better, just like Luke makes Han and Leia better in the movies.
Turris is a Jedi. The way he plays on the ice is filled with power, leading to magical moments. With the Predators looking to win it all, defeating the Imperial forces that hold onto the trophy, Turris is providing the spark that lights all hope. Without him, things would look bleak.
Kevin Fiala – Rey
When “The Force Awakens” hit the scene in 2015, Rey became an instant sensation. My daughters, who I introduced to Star Wars in 2015, were drawn to Rey. Maybe it was because they saw a young girl with great power and potential, but they love Rey.
It is clear Rey is becoming the Star Wars franchise’s powerful star. Her abilities in the Force were awakened and she never looked back.
Like Rey, Kevin Fiala is a young, powerful star in the making. The potential has been there for some time, but now it is on full display. In 2015-16, Fiala earned 16 points on 5 goals and 11 assists in 54 games. So far this year, he has 7 goals and 15 helpers. Oh, that is in 30 games. Fiala has notched a point in each of his last six games, and in seven of his last 10.
Can Fiala be the new young star of the Predators? Certainly. But, just like in Star Wars, we don’t know the full path of Rey. Still, the power is there. The two just need to live up to their promising abilities.
Craig Smith – Kylo Ren
The conflicted Kylo Ren is the new Dark Side user, with significant power. Fierce displays of his ability are followed by moments of internal conflict. The desire to finish the work of this idol and grandfather, Darth Vader, Kylo is driven to extremes. It is obvious that he holds more power than he realizes.
Coming into this season, Craig Smith was viewed as just another pawn on the field of play. The moments of greatness were sparse enough to cause fans to question his ability. Smith production over the years has been on the decline.
But, this year, we see a motived Smith. His speed enables him to unleash moments of raw power. Smith’s twelve goal have come at times when the Predators needed a force to step up. Though, I have yet to see Smith show the temper of Kyle.
While Kylo’s lightsaber wipes and cracks with a violent sound, Smith’s stick is just as fierce. Thankfully, he is on our side.
Pekka Rinne – Princess Leia
Princess Leia, or, as she is called now, General Leia. The strong and stubborn, yet compassionate leader of the Rebellion. She walks with purpose and grace. And a bit of sass.
The thing is, the rebellion does not exist without Leia. Period. Her strong personality and willingness to act in every situation is what the Rebel Alliance needs.
The Nashville Predators would not be where they are without Pekka Rinne. Sure, he is a more soft-spoken man off the ice, but on the ice is where he shines. Rinne’s actions speak volumes.
So far this season, Rinne has been spectacular. His quick decisions and graceful motions have kept the puck from finding the net 93% of the time. That is nearly a career high for the 35-year old goalie.
Next: How Incredible Was Saros Actually?
Now, the Predators look to their elder for direction and support. Rinne may not be captain of the team, but he certainly is the leader.