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Nashville Predators: Four bold predictions for the 2018-19 season

By Corey Francis |
NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 29: The Nashville Predators win 5-4 in overtime against the Winnipeg Jets in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 29: The Nashville Predators win 5-4 in overtime against the Winnipeg Jets in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
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NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 29: The Nashville Predators win 5-4 in overtime against the Winnipeg Jets in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 29: The Nashville Predators win 5-4 in overtime against the Winnipeg Jets in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

A new season has dawned. After a disappointing end to the 2017-18 season, the Nashville Predators are poised to make a significant run at The Cup.

The time has come. A new season officially opens and fans are filled with expectations for their teams. Few teams are under the microscope like the Nashville Predators. After making a surprise run into the Stanley Cup Finals in 2017, the Predators failed to achieve what most everyone anticipated: repeating as Western Conference champions. Even though the team finished as the Presidents’ Trophy winner, their lackluster play in the postseason left a bad taste in our mouth.

Because of their success – and the Austin Watson suspension – the Nashville Predators will be viewed in ways like never before. With four straight seasons of 94+ points, three trips to the second round of the playoffs, and going to Game 6 in The Final, Nashville is now one of the favorites to win it all. Add to this a roster whose core is in place for many years and you have hope for continued success.

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Of course, it all means nothing in the end. The Nashville Predators are the NHL’s version of the Chicago Cubs. Both teams are loaded with significant talent including exciting young players and spirited veterans. They both are expected to win consistently. When they don’t, fans are quick to criticize. We saw this last year with the Predators and last night with the Cubs.

I am still heartbroken.

But, the new season for the Nashville Predators is here. Hope springs eternal, or at least for a little while. With action opening tomorrow, here are four bold predictions for the Predators in 2018-19.

NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 14: The Nashville Predators celebrate a 5-4 win against the Colorado Avalanche in Game Two of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 14, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 14: The Nashville Predators celebrate a 5-4 win against the Colorado Avalanche in Game Two of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 14, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Return to the top

The climb to the top of any league is arduous. It takes clear vision, dedication to the task, and willingness to make major changes even when things are going well. This is exactly what the Nashville Predators have done over the years.

The history is well written. General Manager David Poile made move after move to produce the lineup we enjoy now. Trading Shea Weber for P.K. Subban changed this team, setting them on a track for greater success. Acquiring Ryan Johansen and Filip Forsberg provided offensive pieces the Predators desperately needed. It meant trading players like Seth Jones and Samuel Girard, but Poile did it.

Now, the Nashville Predators are among the best teams in the NHL. They start the season at number three in the Pucks Prose power rankings, while being number two according to CBS. Possibly the most surprising rating at this point comes from The Athletic, who predicts the Predators will finish with 105 points, tops in the NHL yet again.

I, for one, agree with The Athletic.

Bold Prediction: The Nashville Predators will finish with 110 points, winning the Presidents’ Trophy.

In a season similar to last year, the Predators will win the Central Division and be the top seed in the Western Conference. And, it will be a close race with the Winnipeg Jets.

(Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
(Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

200 points?

Few are the lines that compare with the Nashville Predators’ top line of forwards. Last year, of all lines of forwards with 500 or more minutes on the ice together, Nashville’s top line was fourth in CorsiFor%. Oddly enough, they were outdone by their teammates on the second line. The combination of Filip Forsberg, Ryan Johansen, and Viktor Arvidsson also finished fifth in the league in Expected Goals For Percentage.

Last season, the JoFA line achieved 179 points. It was 180 the year before. This year, expect big things.

Bold Prediction: JoFA line will reach 200 combined points.

Forsberg will earn at least 40 goals, and finish with 70 points. Both Johansen and Arvidsson will earn over 60 points. We have witnessed Forsberg’s drive and desire to score, pushing him to elite levels. Johansen looked to net the puck more in the preseason, something he has not done in Nashville. And Arvidsson will continue this energetic, gritty play.

When the dust settles and the season is complete, Nashville’s top line will firmly be one of league’s best.

NASHVILLE, TN – MAY 05: Nashville Predators left wing Kevin Fiala (22) is shown prior to Game Five of Round Two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Winnipeg Jets and Nashville Predators, held on May 5, 2018, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Fiala was a healthy scratch for Game Four. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – MAY 05: Nashville Predators left wing Kevin Fiala (22) is shown prior to Game Five of Round Two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Winnipeg Jets and Nashville Predators, held on May 5, 2018, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Fiala was a healthy scratch for Game Four. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Fiala finds his way

Question: Which player score more goals at even-strength? Arvidsson or Patrik Laine?

The answer? Arvidsson, who scored 23 goals at even-strength compared to 22 for Laine.

Next question. Who was second on the Nashville Predators with 19  goals at even-strength? Not Forsberg or Smith.

It was Kevin Fiala. This season, he takes a leap forward.

Bold Prediction: Fiala tallies 35 goals in 2018-19.

There is no doubting the scoring desire of Fiala, but the puck doesn’t find the back of the net like we all hope. Many don’t even make it on net. Last year, Fiala earned an individual CorsiFor of 354 shots total. Only 187 made it on net. While he finished with a solid shooting percentage of 12.3%, think about all the missed opportunities.

Remember earlier when discussing the JoFA line I mentioned they were fifth in xGF%? The line of Craig Smith, Kyle Turris, and Fiala were tops in the league. They all were used significantly in the offensive zone, being deployed there over 60% of the time. The opportunities will be plentiful for Fiala to score.

NASHVILLE, TN – JANUARY 23: Chris Kunitz #14 of the Tampa Bay Lightning shoots wide of the net against a sprawling Juuse Saros #74 of the Nashville Predators during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on January 23, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – JANUARY 23: Chris Kunitz #14 of the Tampa Bay Lightning shoots wide of the net against a sprawling Juuse Saros #74 of the Nashville Predators during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on January 23, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Vezina-worthy performance

One of the strong points for the Nashville Predators is their goaltending tandem. Both Pekka Rinne and Juuse Saros finished among the league leaders in save percentage and shutouts. Rinne was stellar most of the season in high-danger save percentages. Saros was actually slightly better. According to Corsica Hockey, the duo was the third best in the NHL.

With 42 wins in 59 games, Rinne earned the Predators’ first performance-based award, the Vezina Trophy. But during the playoffs, opponents were able to find holes in Rinne’s defense or catch him off-guard. The aging goalie showed he can still play at high levels, but father time is calling.

Saros is the goalie-in-waiting. And his time has come. I fully expect Saros to get closer to 50% of the starts this season, especially is Rinne show signs for fatigue or struggles.

Bold Prediction: Saros stats will be Vezina-worthy

Now, let me clarify. I do not expect Saros to win the Vezina. But, I think his play is comparable to those in the running for the trophy. Saros will start closer to 40 games, winning 25. He will finish with a .927 save percentage, 2.21 goals against average, and 5 shutouts. While he will not accumulate enough minutes to contend for the Vezina, his play will be on the level of the finalists.

dark. Next. Roster trimmed to 23

And there you have four bold predictions for the season. Will they happen? Maybe. If they do, watch out. The Nashville Predators will certainly make a run at the Cup.

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