Nashville Predators’ struggles continue while other make moves
After gaining points in seven straight, the Nashville Predators lost two games in a row. Other teams are starting to make playoff pushes, rising in our power rankings.
The race for Western Conference supremacy is getting down to the nitty-gritty. Teams have around 24 games left in the season making every point imperative to postseason hopes. While the Nashville Predators still hold great positioning in the standings, their recent play is concerning. Especially since other teams are making impressive statements on the ice.
It has been a tough stretch for the Predators. Honestly, it is hard to watch. For a team with high expectations, they floundered against teams considered weaker by many. In many cases, the Predators fell behind early and were forced to come back. One game they were successful in completing a comeback. The others, not so much. We put a Twitter poll together just to see what you believe was the reason for the struggles. Most of you (57%) suggested it was simply execution.
What do you believe is the root of the #Preds current play?
— Predlines (@PredlinesNSH) February 18, 2018
To be honest, I believe coaching is part of it. Now, I am not saying fire Peter Laviolette, but going 0 for 21 on the power play and doing the same things over and over again shows lack of coaching. The team needs to make adjustments.
With the results last week, how does our new power rankings look?
Teams #7 and #8
#8 – Minnesota Wild
Previous Ranking: #8
Record Last Week: 2-1-1
It wasn’t a bad week for the Wild. Wins against the last place Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers keep the Wild in the playoff hunt. Currently, they hold down the second wild-card spot. There are four other teams at their heels for that position. This week they make the New York road trip, including games on back to back nights.
#7: Anaheim Ducks
Previous Ranking: NR
Record Last week: 2-1-1
The Duck vault into this week’s rankings after an impressive showing. Last week, they garnered wins over Wild and Blackhawks on the road and lost in a shootout to San Jose Sharks. If they hope to stay in the top three in the Pacific Division, they will need to get passed Vegas and Dallas this week.
Battle for #5 and #6
#6: St. Louis Blues
Previous Ranking: #5
Record Last Week: 0-2-1
The Blues had a tough week. After taking a 3-0 lead into the third period, the Blues lost to the Predators in overtime, 4-3. That game was sandwiched between a loss to the suddenly hot Pittsburgh Penguins and the Dallas Stars. The Blues now sit seven points back in the Central Division and hold the top wild-card spot.
#5: San Jose Sharks
Previous Rankings: #6
Record Last Week: 3-1
The Sharks are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games. Wins in that stretch include over Columbus, Carolina, Anaheim and Dallas. And, what is most impressive is they’re doing this without their leader in Joe Thornton. Can they keep their playoff hopes alive? Their next four games are on the road against the Blues, Predators, Blackhawks, and Wild. It could be an interesting week.
Tight race at the top
#4: Dallas Stars
Previous Ranking: #4
Record Last Week: 1-2-0
It feels like the Stars have come out of nowhere. Honestly, they have been in it all year. Now they are putting together a great stretch of games, and sit third in the Central. After winning five straight, the Stars fell to the Canucks and Sharks last week, outscored 11-2 in those games. Ben Bishop was in-goal for both games.
#3: Nashville Predators
Previous Ranking: #2
Record Last Week: 2-2-0
We documented the struggles of the Nashville Predators earlier. Their slump is interesting, and most of their ineffectiveness is from execution. However, there have been too many lapses in focus leading to those moments of poor execution. And, can we please find another way to work on a power play?
Top two teams
#2: Winnipeg Jets
Previous Ranking: #3
Record Last Week: 3-1-0
17 to 6. That is who much the Jets outscored their opponents in wins last week. And, one game was decided by one goal. It took an overtime goal to beat the Washington Capital, but Jets blitz the Avalanche and Panthers. Three of their next four games are against Central contenders. Two of those are on the road. Can the Jets add separation from the rest of the division, or will the race tighten?
#1: Vegas Golden Knights
Previous Ranking: #1
Record Last Week: 3-1-0
Just when we thought the Golden Knights may be coming back to reality, they fool us again. While the opened the week with a loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, the won their next three games by a combined score of 15-6. Granted, it was against struggling teams, but good teams are supposed to beat the bad teams. (Maybe the Predators can learn something from that.)
Next: The Winged Wheel Rolls Over Nashville
It will be another exciting week of games. Who will make their move? Will a statement be made? You have to watch to find out.