Forsberg’s out. Now what?
Six weeks. For the next six weeks the Nashville Predators will be without their leading scorer. The team’s best threat and key team-lifter is out. Gone. And the streets of Smashville are in a roaring panic.
When coach Peter Laviolette moved Forsberg to the Predators’ third line, Calle Jarnkrok took off. It was a curious move at first, but the need for third line production was obvious. It paid off. Now, the third line is in need again. Forsberg is out due to an injury leaving a canyon in the scoring column to be filled.
Nick Bonino looked to be a leading candidate to take over during the Predators game in Vegas this week. Though he saw a high percentage of starts in the defensive zone, Bonino played around the Vegas net leading to several scoring chances. He will need to score to help fill the void.
What other players need to step up and score with Forsberg out? I am looking at you, Pontus Aberg and Colton Sissons. Well, and Turris. Not to mention Mattias Ekholm and Ryan Ellis.