While the Predators’ struggles this season are well documented, we can look at some of the changes they made that helped turn their season around.
One thing the Predators did was to simplify their game. Instead of relying on finesse and fancy passing, they switched gears and began forechecking more, made shorter, more reliable passes to get the puck into the offensive zone, and did a better job of crowding their net to protect their goaltender.
The most noticeable change the Predators made was upping their intensity level and buying into the system implemented by Head Coach John Hynes.
The Predators have become a team that is harder to play against than in the past, getting back to playing “the Predator Way.” The slow and shaky 2nd periods were replaced with more well-rounded games where they played a full 60 minutes of hockey.
The Predators also began to handle adversity better. Before the turnaround, a two-goal deficit would have been a death sentence. Now they buckle down, work hard, and never give up.
With only seven games left in the season, the Predators need to keep their focus and remember what got them to this point. Making the playoffs was only a pipe dream a month and a half ago.
The Predators will be facing the number two team in the Central Division tonight. They have victories against the Panthers, but these two upcoming games take on monumental importance.
The Predators have to finish strong but may also have to rely on some scoreboard luck from some other teams. Regardless, this turnaround is nothing short of amazing and something that Nashville can use as fuel for next season.
The puck drops at 7:00 PM CDT and will be televised on Bally Sports South. Follow along with us on Twitter for up-to-the-minute game commentary.