The Nashville Predators are truly a team in the middle.
The Preds presently sit fifth in the Western Conference, behind four playoff teams and ahead of three. Nashville is usually viewed as New Jersey west, a team that has to win low-scoring games to survive. While it’s true defense and goaltending tend to be their strong points, the Predators are actually 15th league-wide in both goals for (2.68 per game) and goals against (2.71).
Jason Arnott is battling head issues that could be concussion-related and Nashville’s attack would definitely benefit with him back in the lineup.
The numbers may suggest the Preds place as much emphasis on scoring as goal prevention, but if they’re to do any playoff damage, it will be due to the strength Nashville has from the blueline back. Pekka Rinne has had some hot stretches in the crease and Shea Weber is one heck of an anchor for any defense corps.
And while the Preds have yet to win a post-season series in four playoff ventures, their style of game seems well suited to squeaking out the close games that mark hockey in the spring.
The Hockey News ranks the teams 1-30 each Monday based on a combination of last week’s play and a squad’s overall outlook.
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