Nashville Predators: Important Takeaways from Training Camp

May 21, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators players celebrate after a goal by defenseman Ryan Ellis (4) during the first period against the Carolina Hurricanes in game three of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
May 21, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators players celebrate after a goal by defenseman Ryan Ellis (4) during the first period against the Carolina Hurricanes in game three of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
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Nashville Predators
Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Nashville Predators are going to be that annoying, chippy team no one wants to deal with

Yeah, I’m going to go ahead and say it now before the puck is even dropped on the 2021-22 regular season. The Nashville Predators are going to be the agitators. The teams that tick off the opposing fans because they play aggressive, play maybe past the whistle at time and going to battle for every loose puck.

Think about some of the key role players who play this style; Luke Kunin, Tanner Jeannot, Yakov Trenin, Colton Sissons, Nick Cousins, Mattias Ekholm, Mark Borowiecki, Matt Benning, and even Forsberg at times.

I just don’t see the Predators winning too many games the pretty way this season. It doesn’t mean I want them to play dirty per se, but they’re definitely going to have to play with a physical edge to them that aggravates the more finesse teams.

I’ve seen that on fully display through the preseason, and it’s been said to have been happening in the practices as well. The practice session I attended just as the preseason had just started featured a lot of aggressive puck battles and intensity.

You have to be pleased with how Hynes has implemented his style into this team with a full training camp, and now it’s time to see how it translated into the regular season. Buckle in because I’m sure there will be no shortage of drama.