3. Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators are coming off a President’s Trophy season that saw them destroy everything in their path during the second half. Their season included three five-game winning streaks, including one 10 game winning streak that saw them not lose in regulation for 15 games.
It’s not a secret the Predators are led by their outstanding blue line. P.K. Subban is a consistent Norris Trophy contender, as is Roman Josi. Mattias Ekholm is a terrific defenseman and has done especially well with Subban. Ryan Ellis, who just signed a long-term deal, is another impressive defenseman. You’re not finding a better top four in the NHL than that. And the Predators have arguably the best goaltending tandem in the league as well with Pekka Rinne and Juuse Saros.
Nashville also have a pretty solid forward core, despite their lack of center depth. Ryan Johansen isn’t a first line caliber center and neither is Kyle Turris. Luckily, their wings, led by Filip Forsberg and Viktor Arivdsson, more than make up for their deficiencies.
The Predators have a pretty clear Achilles’ heel in their lack of a true top center. But they’ve got enough talent that it might not matter. This team won the President’s Trophy for a reason – they’re really freaking good.