Nashville Predators Quarterly Report Card: They Are So Grounded

Coaching: D

Honestly, this is one of those grades where you thought you did even worse in the class than what actually came out, but when averaging the grades, a D feels generous for the Nashville Predators leader.

Maybe the grade is the result of hiring a coach with a losing record. Maybe we should have gone with an “interim” tag or role instead of a snap decision.

Regardless, John Hynes says all of the right things, but for whatever reason, the team cannot execute, and what’s worse: they have an awful habit of not showing up for a game until the third period.

At the same time, the team hasn’t been very consistent, possibly due to Hynes constantly changing the forward combinations, and limiting ice time of contributors like Tolvanen and Rocco Grimaldi.

It would be one thing if Hynes was aloof, but he knows the issues, and he calls them out pretty publicly (though not the players by name themselves).

While that can be appreciated, eventually execution is not just a player issue, but a systematic issue. Yes, he didn’t have a “normal” training camp. Yes, he’s yet to coach a full season. However, sometimes people are exactly who they appear to be.

Hynes has never had a team finish above .500, and even his record with the Nashville Predators is barely two games over .500. He may not be the answer this team needs if it wants to contend…I fear he may even be the fall-guy as an excuse for a rebuild.