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Nashville Predators: November will bring major challenges for Smashville

By Jake Evans

NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 15: Craig Smith #15 celebrates his goal with P.K. Subban #76 and Ryan Johansen #92 of the Nashville Predators against the Minnesota Wild during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on October 15, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 15: Craig Smith #15 celebrates his goal with P.K. Subban #76 and Ryan Johansen #92 of the Nashville Predators against the Minnesota Wild during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on October 15, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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WINNIPEG, MANITOBA – MAY 3: P.K. Subban #76 of the Nashville Predators celebrates his goal against the Winnipeg Jets in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 3, 2018 at Bell MTS Place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Jason Halstead /Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** P.K. Subban
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA – MAY 3: P.K. Subban #76 of the Nashville Predators celebrates his goal against the Winnipeg Jets in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 3, 2018 at Bell MTS Place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Jason Halstead /Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** P.K. Subban /

Continuing Defensive Domination

Through 8 games this season, Nashville’s blue line has lived up to the hype. They’ve shut down opponents left and right, and made it very easy on themselves most nights. They’re allowing a league-low 1.9 goals per game, have recorded 2 shutouts, and have won their last 5 games by 2+ goals.

For years now, it’s been known that Nashville’s power is built from the back, up. This year, through 8 games, it’s been the same story.

P.K. Subban has 2 goals, 4 assists, and a +5 rating.

Ryan Ellis has 5 assists and a +7 rating.

Roman Josi has 2 goals, 1 assist, and a +4 rating.

Mattias Ekholm has 2 goals, 5 assists, and a +8 rating.

Simply put, Nashville wins when it plays defense. The top 4 on the Predators’ blue line are among some of the best in the game, and when they play like it, Nashville is hard to beat. They stifle shots, they eliminate chances, and they start offensive rushes.

However, in November, Nashville will face some of the better offenses in the NHL, like Tampa Bay, Colorado, Boston, San Jose, and Dallas. The Predators blue line will have to be on their A-game every night in order to give Nashville a chance to win. If they struggle, Nashville will.

The defensive group is off to a hot start, but could have problems keeping it up in November.

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