Juuse Saros
Your goalie tends to always be important, and when you're the Predators it means you're riding your starter come hell or high water. Juuse Saros is the key to the Predators success, if he does well then they have a chance to win every game.
Saros' numbers aren't exactly where they need to be for a top tier goaltender, but they're starting to creep back up. If he gets the GAA under 2.90 and the SV% above .900 then Saros will be doing everything he can, and should.
The Predators have won 10 of their last 14, with Saros winning five of his last six.
Ryan O'Reilly
"The Factor" has been red hot for the Predators as of late and his offensive play has been really key in keeping the Predators going during their recent run of success.
O'Reilly has also been vocal about his desire to stay in Nashville and see through this turnaround. That has made him a leader, and his play on the ice has backed up all of those claims.
It's also effectively taken away some of the leverage that Trotz might've had in the trade market. O'Reilly's current pace is in line with some of his career best marks, and it'll be something of a wonder if he can keep this pace up as he turns 35 this season.