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Nashville Predators: Opening Week Central Division Power Rankings

By Chad Minton

General view prior to announcements for the game between the Nashville Predators and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Bridgestone Arena on January 14, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
General view prior to announcements for the game between the Nashville Predators and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Bridgestone Arena on January 14, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) celebrates with defenseman Roman Josi (59) and right wing Viktor Arvidsson (33) Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Rich Howe’s Rankings (@Rich_Howe_9)

1. Tampa Bay Lightning: 2-0-0 (Previous: 1)

2. Dallas Stars: 0-0-0 (Previous: 2)

3. Nashville Predators: 2-0-0 (Previous: 4)

4. Carolina Hurricanes: 1-1-0 (Previous: 3)

5. Florida Panthers: 1-0-0 (Previous: 7)

6. Columbus Blue Jackets: 0-2-0 (Previous: 5)

7. Chicago Blackhawks: 0-3-0 (Previous: 6)

8. Detroit Red Wings: 1-1-0 (Previous: 8)

The Tampa Bay Lightning looks to be continuing their winning ways. From all indications, they haven’t lost a step so far this season.

The Dallas Stars have yet to play a game and will sit at the two-spot until they can prove otherwise.

Although we only have a small sample size, the Nashville Predators have looked good in their first two games. The true test will come when they play some teams with a little more offensive firepower than what the Blue Jackets could muster. The Hurricanes will test the Predators in their upcoming back-to-back games.

The Carolina Hurricanes may have dropped a game against the Detroit Red Wings, but you can bet they will come back with a vengeance. The Florida Panthers have only played one game so expect them to move up as more games are played.

The Columbus Blue Jackets, along with the Chicago Blackhawks, have some work to do to right their seasons. Both should come out swinging in their next games.

If Columbus has a bad season, I expect that Head Coach John Tortorella will be moving on. Chicago has had some unfortunate injuries that have put them in a bad situation in the standings.

The Detroit Red Wings were able to split their first two games with the Hurricanes. Chicago should probably be in the last spot in the division, but I think with time, they will get better. Detroit still has some work to do but may prove everyone wrong and move up in the Central.

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