Nashville Predators: 3 Reasons For Encouragement This Season

The long wait is almost over. Finally, Fall is upon us, and with that comes the excitement of another season of Nashville Predators hockey.

The Predators are a team that finds itself facing a transition period this upcoming season. The loss of some beloved veterans coupled with a younger lineup looking to prove itself brings up some lingering questions about how this team will perform once the puck drops on October 14 against the Seattle Kraken.

However, it would be a massive mistake to write this team off before the season even starts. The Predators were doing some great things on the ice before their season ended and showing that they are a team capable of making some waves in the Central Division.

Even with the challenges ahead, all is not lost, faithful Predators fans. Let’s take a look at a few rays of hope that are shining down on the boys in navy and gold.

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.

Three Players With Something To Prove

The Predators got a taste of what the team is ultimately capable of last season. It is a guarantee that they want to replicate that on a larger scale during this upcoming 82-game season.

Captain Roman Josi, Associate Captain Filip Forsberg, and Associate Captain Mattias Ekholm will be on a mission to make certain their young team is up to the task and competing on an even higher level than they were at last season’s end.

Both Forsberg and Ekholm are in the final years of their contracts and will be looking to ramp up their performances in preparation for shiny new contract extensions from GM David Poile.

Josi will be steering the ship as he enters his fourth season as Captain. There is no doubt his words in the locker room behind closed doors and off the ice propelled this team to play at a higher level. His words will need to be heeded once more as the challenge of a new season arises.

As the Predators enter their “competitive rebuild,” we can feel confident that the leadership of this team is firmly in place and will be doing whatever they have to to ensure success.