Nashville Predators Preview

Departures
Radek Bonk, Greg de Vries, Vern Fiddler, Ville Koistinen, Scott Nichol, Greg Zanon

Arrivals
Peter Olvecky

Forwards
With a very similar lineup to last season, not much improvement should be made in offensive production for the Preds.  If late-season returnee Steve Sullivan can keep on the comeback trail and be productive on the top line with Arnott and Dumont, then the offense might not be as bad as first thought.  Even if the first line produces, the second line of Martin Erat, David Legwand and Joel Ward need to score for the Preds to be successful.  Don’t forget about rookie Colin Wilson either, who will be looking to make a name for himself in the NHL.

Defenseman

One of the most solid defensive groups in the NHL will only be better this season with the continued maturation of Shea Weber and Ryan Suter.  The former was the leading candidate for the Norris trophy halfway through the season, before production slowed down in the latter half of the year.  Watch for Alexander Sulzer as the 5^th or 6^th defenceman.  Many are predicting another diamond in the rough for the Predators.

Goalies
Youngster Pekka Rinne will be the starter this season after stealing the job from Dan Ellis last year.  Rinne played in 52 games last year, winning 29, with a respectable 2.38 GAA and .917 SV %.  He was the main reason why Nashville was anywhere near contending for a playoff spot.  If he can get off to the same start this year as he did last year, then he might be able to carry the team on his back again.

Strengths
- With the return of Steve Sullivan, the offence gets a solid boost.  If he can stay healthy, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t put up a productive year.

- If Shea Weber wants to be considered for a Norris trophy, he will have to pace himself and not take too much of the weight on his shoulders.  He has the tools to be one of the best defenceman in the league, it just remains to be seen if he can do it on a below .500 team.

- There was talk about Pekka Rinne for the Calder trophy last year – given to the rookie of the year.  If he had played more games, considerations would have been that much higher.  If he is as solid, or even plays better, than Nashville has a chance to do something special.

Weaknesses
- After the first line, the offensive production drops way down.  David Legwand has been promising to break out since he was drafted, and Martin Erat has plenty of potential, they just haven’t been able to seem to put it together.

- If Rinne gets hurt, can the Preds rely on Dan Ellis?  He had an awful start last season, and lost the job to Rinne.  If his confidence can come back, the Preds will be ok…but it remains to be seen.

Analysis
Nashville will have trouble scoring goals once again, plain and simple.  As mentioned, if Sullivan can stay at full health and produce; and Ward continues his success from his breakout season, they may put a little more pucks in the net.  The defensive core is solid, with very little holes, and should get even better this season.  Pekka Rinne is hoping that the sophomore jinx doesn’t affect him and he can carry the team to the playoffs….I just don’t see it happening.

Prediction: 10^th in the West