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Nashville Predators: Offseason Central Division Power Rankings

By Chad Minton

NASHVILLE, TN - MAY 10: Roman Josi #59 of the Nashville Predators shakes hands with Blake Wheeler #26 of the Winnipeg Jets in Game Seven of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on May 10, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MAY 10: Roman Josi #59 of the Nashville Predators shakes hands with Blake Wheeler #26 of the Winnipeg Jets in Game Seven of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on May 10, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 6: Jamie Benn #14 of the Dallas Stars skates against the Nashville Predators during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on March 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 6: Jamie Benn #14 of the Dallas Stars skates against the Nashville Predators during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on March 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Dallas Stars

This team fell apart down the stretch of the regular season. They were regulars in the wildcard spots nearly all season, then collapsed. Quickly following the shocking miss of the playoffs, the great Ken Hitchcock announced his retirement just one season into his return to the Stars’ bench.

With the Stars bringing in another new head coach, Jim Montgomery, they now have to learn a new system. The change may be for the best in the long run, but it raises questions and concerns about how they’ll start.

One thing they certainly have going for them is their top line of Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin and Alexander Radulov can stand toe to toe with any top line in the league. It gives them a fighting chance against every team, so you have to keep that in mind.

Much like the Blackhawks, their depth and goaltending is an issue. You need depth to survive the grind of an 82-game season, and I don’t see the Stars having that. Ben Bishop can go on hot streaks, and then go cold just as fast. If some unforeseen players erupt, then the narrative will certainly change. Where we stand in the offseason, the Stars will take a step back into the 80-85 point range and miss the playoffs by a wider margin.

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