Predators: Three Players Who Have Kept Team Afloat Most This Season

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 17: Roman Josi #59 of the Nashville Predators during the third period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on October 17, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 17: Roman Josi #59 of the Nashville Predators during the third period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on October 17, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 10: Nick Bonino #13 of the Nashville Predators is congratulated by teammate Colton Sissons #10 after scoring the game tying goal against the Washington Capitals during the third period of a 6-5 Predators victory over the Capitals at Bridgestone Arena on October 10, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 10: Nick Bonino #13 of the Nashville Predators is congratulated by teammate Colton Sissons #10 after scoring the game tying goal against the Washington Capitals during the third period of a 6-5 Predators victory over the Capitals at Bridgestone Arena on October 10, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

Bones has been pleasant surprise

Nick Bonino came out of nowhere this season, and definitely can’t be overlooked. Aside from Josi he’s got to be the team MVP, at least in my opinion.

The third line has been the most consistent line on the Predators all season, and Bonino has steered that ship.

Very few, if any, would’ve predicted that Bonino would have a chance to lead the team in goals for the season. He’s one behind Filip Forsberg with 18 goals, which ties his total in his last season with Pittsburgh, and four short of his career high in 2014.

Bonino also has his highest shooting percentage faceoff win percentage of his career. He’s doing a little bit of everything very well this season for the Predators.

It was somewhat of a surprise that the Predators decided not to be major sellers at the trade deadline, including the possibility of selling off Bonino. Instead they decided to move forward with their high performers and take their chances that they make the playoffs.

Bonino is easily another player to choose as vital to keeping the Predators from really falling behind in the standings and not having any chance at all.