Nashville Predators: 3 Reasons For Encouragement This Season
By Rich Howe
The Nashville Predators Got Their Act Together
Last season, while answering a question from Robby Stanley of ESPN’s 102.5 The Game, Ryan Johansen uttered those famous words that found their way into the daily lexicon of social media and even onto a t-shirt. “We’re vibin’ Robby.”
Johansen had never spoken truer words.
Before Nashville’s epic turnaround last season, the team was dismal. They had a 1% chance of making the playoffs, and the locker room was in such disarray that it almost brought Captain Roman Josi to the point of swearing on national television.
At the midpoint of last season, something clicked with the Predators. They had finally bought into Head Coach John Hynes’ system, were playing like a team on a mission, and Juuse Saros was putting up Vezina Trophy-like numbers.
Even with the departure of some players, the Predators accomplished a lot last season and have tons of momentum to build on this season. They have to settle in early, not panic when bumps in the road arise, and make sure Saros is comfortable in the net.
At one point, Nashville had one of the longest winning streaks in the NHL last season, and their hard work earned them an unlikely invitation to the playoffs. However, with the determination and grit displayed last season, there is no reason they shouldn’t perform similarly this season.