Nashville Predators: So far, our bold predictions are looking good
It has been a great season for the Nashville Predators so far. Like most sites, we made some bold predictions. How do things look so far?
What a season we are experiencing! As things sit now, the Nashville Predators are tied atop the Western Conference with 46 points. Of course, there are three other teams up there with them. If you were to ask many fans where the Predators would stand going into December back at the beginning of the season, many would likely say third or fourth.
Not a bad answer. And, while we want our team to dominate, we know the NHL is difficult. I guess being tied with three other teams makes the Predators first and fourth at the same time. So, if you thought the Predators would be leading the Western Conference or in fourth, you were right. Congrats.
A great aspect of this season is the amount of drama witnessed. How many games have the Predators led but saw their opponent make a strong comeback? Who can count the number of great saves made? Games are laced with tension, making this season one to remember.
Every season, sports news and blog sites make bold predictions about their teams. We are no different. Predictions are fun and provide great talking points at the proverbial watercooler. With the season’s first half winding down, now is a great time to see if we were on track with our predictions.
So, how do are bold predictions look? In a word: good.
Goals! Goals! Goals!
The Nashville Predators ranked 11th in goals scored last season, finding the net 240 times. With that, only three players notched 20+ goals.
We know the team lost 53 goals from last year’s team with player attrition. The goals had to come from somewhere.
Well, 33 games into the season and the Predators rank sixth in goal scoring. And, with 112 goals so far, the team is on pace for 278 goals on the season. Of course, I am not sure they will reach that level, but that is their pace.
More layers to this prediction include how the goals would be divided. Ryan Johansen would 20, or even 25. More on that later. But, it was the second line that came into focus. At the time of the prediction, the line looked to be Nick Bonino, Craig Smith, and Kevin Fiala. And I state the group would achieve 60 goals as a group.
Well, the group does not include Bonino. Thank you, David Poile, for acquiring Kyle Turris. So, where do things stand?
Bonino + Smith + Fiala = 27 goals
Turris + Smith + Fiala = 25 goals
I said Bonino and Smith would reach 20 goals. Well, Smith is almost there now. Bonino missing time caused him to start slower, but the 20-goal mark is possible.
But, then I went further saying Fiala would get 25 goals. Well, I could be off there. He only has 9 so far. But, it took what seemed like forever to get his first goal. Since there, boom.
The rest of the team seems to be stepping it up as well. Both P.K. Subban and Roman Josi are on track to exceed last year’s output. Mattias Ekholm already has. When Ryan Ellis returns, the team will only see more pucks find the net.
Putting on the pressure
Our first bold prediction was the Nashville Predators would score more in the first period and put pressure on their opponents and scoring first. The bold prediction was layered like this:
- Lead after the opening period in 35 games.
- Score first in 45 games.
- 70 opening period goals.
- Allow only 55 goals in the first period.
To this point, this prediction is still plausible. Barely.
Last season, the Predators were outscored 67-55 in the first period. This year, they are outscoring there opponents 24 to 16. In 33 games, they have scored first in 20, and lead after 12 games.
With 49 games left, the Predators can still lead after the opening period in 23 games and score first in 25. While holding opponents to under 55 games in the opening frame is possible, attaining 70 goals is unlikely.
So, the prediction is on solid footing but can falter.
Among scoring leaders?
Big things are expected from Filip Forsberg, Viktor Arvidsson, and Ryan Johansen. Last years, the three players accounted for 180 points. They have 77 so far this year, meaning they are on pace for 191 points this season.
Yet, that was not the prediction. I focused on Ryan Johansen. Rarely is he considered a top-10 center in the NHL. With a large contract signed over the season – which many think was too much for Johansen – and a 61 point season last year, I thought he would score more.
The prediction was an 80-point season for Johansen. Well, I doubt that will happen. The combination of 25 goals and 55 assists just seem too far out there. Operative word being “seem.”
There is no question Johansen can catch fire, notching goal after goal. But, he only has two 25+ goals seasons. Can he reach 55 assists? With the players on this roster, I think this can happen.
But will it?
Rinne for the win
I get it. Pekka Rinne is an aging goalie. But, dang! He is still really good. Really, really good.
We have argued whether or not the Nashville Predators can rely on Rinne for a full season. Could he perform well enough between the pipes in order to get the Predators to the playoffs? The fans love Rinne, probably more than any other player on the team. But, we were realistic about things.
Rinne doesn’t care about our realistic thoughts. He is on fire.
My prediction was Rinne putting together an amazing season. Save percentage of .927, second-best in his career. I predicted a quality start rating of .600 and a goals-against of 2.2. So far, those numbers are .692 and 2.36.
To further our prediction, I stated Rinne would win 40 games this year. It may be possible for him at this point, as he has 18 wins in 26 games. Let’s do the math. With a win percentage of 69% so far, should he play in 65 games, that could mean 44-45 wins. If he just plays 60 games, he is on pace for 41 wins.
Looks like we are accurate, so far.
Playoffs?
Again, yes. But, we are too far away from really knowing how this will turn out.
The prediction for the Nashville Predators was a record of 47-29-6, finishing with 100 points. And, they would be the #3 team in the Western Conference.
Well, at 21-8-4, the Predators are on pace to best our prediction. Should they keep up their winning way, the Predators could end up with 51 wins. If they do that, 100 points will be in the rear-view mirror.
To further our prediction, we said the Predators would win their first-round series in five games, and the second round in six.
Next: The Second Line Falters For The First Time
More to come, but our prediction looks good. Hmm…