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New Season, Fresh Slate, But Same Struggles for the Nashville Predators?

By Kyle Fleming

Nashville Predators left wing Egor Afanasyev (70) celebrates his goal against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Nashville Predators left wing Egor Afanasyev (70) celebrates his goal against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Thomas Novak, Nashville Predators
Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Goal Scorer Needed

In recent years, the Predators have relied heavily on Josi and Forsberg to be the main scoring force of the team. However, also in recent years, both of these players have struggled with injuries.

With the departure of Duchene, the franchises single season goals record holder, the Predators need someone else to step up and score goals at a high rate of efficiency.

The last time that Forsberg played a full season was during the 2016-17 season. Josi came close to playing a full season during the 2021-22 season however has not played a complete 82-game slate since 2019-20.

Must Read. Five Key Takeaways as Nashville Predators Cut Roster to 26 Players. light

The Predators had just one player score over 20 goals one season ago with only nine players scoring ten or more.

When you look at goals scored across the league, the Predators ranked 28th, with three of the four teams trailing them being the three lowest ranking teams at the seasons end.

This organization has to get out of the mindset of a solid blue line and goaltending can win hockey games without also having reliable goal scoring.

I foresee someone like Novak, Philip Tomasino, Cody Glass, or Evangelista having a breakout season and being that goal scorer that the Nashville Predators need to relieve some pressure off of Josi and Forsberg to be the primary scorers.

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