Nashville Predators: 3 Things We Need Out Of Training Camp
The Nashville Predators Must Gel Quickly
This season will be the first since the 2018-19 season that will feature a full 82-game schedule. And while there have been many challenging situations that Nashville has overcome since then, it is paramount that this young Predators team learn from each other, gel as a team, and settle in for a long season.
Goals will be at a premium next season, and the Predators will likely have to win games in an “ugly” fashion if they have any playoff hopes. They will have little room for error and cannot take a long time to find their stride.
There are some new faces on the team and some Predators who, while familiar to all of us, have yet to play a full season on an NHL roster. As a result, these players must learn the system quickly in training camp and prepare themselves for the rigors of the season ahead.
The coaching staff and fans alike have high expectations for players like Tanner Jeannot and Eeli Tolvanen. Now is their time to shine as they face the adversity that a team rebuild brings.
Leadership Must Step Up in a Big Way
The headline says it all.
The core group of veterans took a big hit this offseason with the departure of several key players. So now, the leadership of this young team falls squarely on veteran players who, now more than ever, need to produce and help bring along their young teammates in the process.
The veteran leaders must do whatever it takes to lead this team forward. They will need to set the tone early in training camp and help hone this young team into a roster with every opportunity to win.
Keeping the ship afloat starts with captain Roman Josi, but he will need all the help he can get from players like Filip Forsberg, Mattias Ekholm, and Ryan Johansen. These four players will play a key role in Nashville’s success next season.
To say a lot is riding on their shoulders next season is an understatement.
If the veterans can get everyone on board early in training camp and convey their expectations, it will put them in a good position for the start of the season. Coming out of the gate strong will be imperative for the Predators.
Challenge the Goaltenders and Get Them Comfortable Early
The Predators rode into the playoffs last year on the back of the otherworldly play of Juuse Saros. At the time, Saros still had the luxury of friend and mentor Pekka Rinne as a backup.
Now, Rinne is gone, Saros is the franchise goaltender for the time being, and expectations are higher than they have ever been.
Saros will be called upon to play the most games of his career next season. With how he played last season and the pay raise he got in the offseason, he is set for a career year in Nashville and hopefully in the Vezina trophy conversation at the end of the season.
However, Saros is notorious for slow starts early in the season. If that happens, the Predators will be digging themselves out of a hole early and looking for backup goaltender David Rittich to save the day until Saros finds his footing.
A bonus will be getting Rittich comfortable early in training camp to set him up for success when his number is called as a starter. Nashville enjoyed a 1A/1B situation in goal for many years, and it would be nice to continue that tradition. It appears that Rittich has the necessary skills to make that a reality.
While it is hard to gauge how well a goaltender will do during a season by their performance in training camp, Saros and Rittich need to be on their games early and give the coaching staff the confidence they need at the goaltender position.
Goaltending got the Predators into the playoffs last season. Both Saros and Rittich will more than likely have to play their hearts out this season, keep the Predators in some games, and steal games when the team is struggling to find the back of the net.
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