Nashville Predators: Time to unleash our Western Conference Power Rankings

(Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 30: Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92), defenseman Roman Josi (59), defenseman Ryan Ellis (4) and left wing Kevin Fiala (22) celebrate a second period goal by Nashville Predators winger Ryan Hartman (38) during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and the Vegas Golden Knights, held on October 30, 2018, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 30: Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92), defenseman Roman Josi (59), defenseman Ryan Ellis (4) and left wing Kevin Fiala (22) celebrate a second period goal by Nashville Predators winger Ryan Hartman (38) during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and the Vegas Golden Knights, held on October 30, 2018, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

With a quarter of the NHL season complete, teams are settling into their true selves. How do the Nashville Predators stack up in our initial Western Conference power rankings?

With the completion of all the games last night, every team in the Western Conference has 20 games under their belt. The rust from the offseason is off and each team is starting to show who their identity. Some teams, like the Nashville Predators, are battling injuries. Others have already made coaching changes due to their team’s performance. A twenty- game sample sets a solid foundation for assessment.

It’s been a rather interesting start to the season. The Western Conference Champion Vegas Golden Knights learned that last season was beginners luck. With a similar roster to last season and the addition of Max Pacioretty, Vegas was thought to be a solid contender for the conference. However, the house usually wins and the Golden Knights are looking for Lady Luck.

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The Chicago Blackhawks took off to start the season, briefly leading the Central Division for a time. The road has been unkind to Chicago as they are 3-5-2 away from the home. St. Louis is singing the blues of a poor season, with only seven wins thus far. And the Kings are hoping to escape the dungeon. All three teams fired their head coaches. White flags are starting to raise.

Edmonton also fired their head coach, but immediately hired Ken Hitchcock. With the team hovering around contention, could they make a push with their new leadership?

Eight teams will make the playoffs at the end of the season. We rank the eight best teams in the Western Conference right now.