Playoff hopes were what could be considered certain on October 9th, the eve of the Nashville Predators start to the 2024-25 regular season. GM Barry Trotz was able to weave his way through free agency, orchestrating a fantasy-style lineup featuring the signings of Jonathan Marchessault, and Steven Stamkos.
Yet now, one month and a half later, the offensive struggles are elongated. Early-season slumps, dubbed "a new roster looking to find chemistry" by Head Coach Andrew Brunette, have turned into an ongoing issue.
Although early on, playoff hopes seem distant.
Nashville has not scored more than two goals a night in 9 out of the last 12 games. It's a genuine lack of production that must be called out.
"I'd say our last four games, we've been pretty consistent on how we play," Brunette said heading into the team's 5-3 win over Vancouver when asked about his thoughts on how the team is playing now compared to the beginning of the season.
Brunette continued, "Obviously, we're not getting rewarded offensively; we've had some opportunities. I think we have to breathe a little bit and go to work."
They did just that, rallying past the Canucks 5-3, where despite posting fewer shots, the Predators evidently controlled the game from the start.
The victory reflected one of three games out of Nashville's last 12 in which the team scored more than two goals, winning all three of those outings.
So what has to change for the team, to find success consistently?
Since November 2nd, when visiting , Nashville has increased their shooting percentage from the league-worst percentage at 6.9%, to still the leauge worst, increased to 8.1%.
There is a notable increase, but individual percentages pose concerning answers.
Veteran forward Gustav Nyquist leads the team at 28.6%. Although just six goals in his 19 appearances, he remains one of the team's top consistent all-around players.
Roman Josi's seen a major decline in his percentage this season. With a career shot percent average of 6.6%, and worst season at 5.2% (2012-2013) leading up to this season, the captain finds himself sitting at a career-worst 2.9%.
Notably, it's the worst shooting percentage amongst players that have scored this season for the team.
Josi stepping up offensively and communicating with his defensive partner, Brady Skjei, on where to position when he steps up will be the first stride toward getting his percentage back where it's been historically.