Nashville Predators: Three Big Surprises Early in the Season

BROOKYN, NY - OCTOBER 06: Zan Rinaldo (36) of the Nashville Predators lines up against New York Islanders forward Cal Clutterbuck (15) during the New York Islanders game versus the Nashville Predators on October 6, 2018, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. (Photo by John McCreary/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BROOKYN, NY - OCTOBER 06: Zan Rinaldo (36) of the Nashville Predators lines up against New York Islanders forward Cal Clutterbuck (15) during the New York Islanders game versus the Nashville Predators on October 6, 2018, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. (Photo by John McCreary/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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With a 7-1 blazing start through the first three weeks of the season, the Nashville Predators are cruising along. The teams’ overall play may not be a big shock, but there are few pleasant surprises so far.

You know your fanbase is becoming somewhat spoiled when your team starts 7-1-0 and no one is going too crazy over it. But, that’s the case for the Nashville Predators right now.

As a franchise, the Predators are no stranger to having solid regular season success, but, this time seems different. The hot start is one the best in the teams 20-year history, solidifying themselves as a Stanley Cup contender once again.

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There are a few things that have occurred exactly as they were supposed to. For example, the continued success of the top line that consists of Filip Forsberg, Viktor Arvidsson, and Ryan Johansen. The chemistry this trio has built helps keep the Predators in the game night after night, combining for 21 points and 11 goals already. At this pace, the Predators top offensive unit would witness their most productive season as teammates.

The Predators already have two shutouts and have given up two goals or less in all but three games. Pekka Rinne going on injured reserve will give Juuse Saros his first test as the teams’ primary goaltender to lean on, but this area will remain a major strength of the team. Here are a few surprises we didn’t see coming in the early going for the Nashville Predators.