The Nashville Predators have clinched the first playoff spot in the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs after defeating the Colorado Avalanche on March 4.
The Predators have led the Central Division and even the entire league for large chunks of the season. Currently, the Predators are the first seed in the entire Western Conference. The closest divisional rival to the Predators are the Winnipeg Jets, currently with 98 points. It’s an exciting time for fans of Nashville’s hockey team, as the Predators are leading the way for not only the division title, but also the President’s Trophy for the number one team in the league.
This season, the Predators have added depth at nearly every position, especially on offense. General Manager David Poile has made several great trades to give the team the best chance at winning come playoff time. Third-line center and Stanley Cup champion Nick Bonino was added in the offseason. Second-line center Kyle Turris was acquired in a three way trade with the Ottawa Senators and the aforementioned Avalanche. Top-six forward Ryan Hartman was also acquired via trade from the Chicago Blackhawks. Offensive depth was the biggest problem facing the Predators last time in the playoffs, where they made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. Depth surely won’t be a concern this time, especially with the return of previous captain Mike Fisher.
The Predators are traditionally a defensive team and this year has been no exception. Nashville’s defense is arguably the best in the league, with all-stars P.K. Subban and Roman Jovi leading the way. Subban and Ryan Ellis have been able to generate a great amount of scoring from the backend. Jovi and Mattias Ekholm have done a tremendous job shutting down opposing offenses. But without a doubt, the team’s best player has been goaltender Pekka Rinne. Rinne is in the running for the Vezina Trophy, which is the award for league’s best goalie. In addition, Rinne has achieved 40 wins this season and is one of the league’s best in terms of wins, save percentage, and shutouts. Backup Juuse Saros has also done an amazing job, possessing an 8-5-6 record with 3 shutouts.
Of all the dominant teams playing in the Western Conference, the Predators look to be the favorite. A franchise record-setting 15 game point streak that began in February has catapulted the Predators to the top of the central and western conference. While forward Calle Jarnkrok will be out for the remainder of the regular season, 2017 first-round pick Eeli Tolvanen is set to make his debut for the Predators come play0ff time. Tolvanen has impressed both fans and management alike after lighting up the KHL in Europe this season. A pure goal-scorer, Tolvanen will add to the scoring depth that the Predators could really use in case of an injury to a player like Filip Forsberg or Viktor Arvidsson.
With all of this being said, the Predators should at the very least advance to the Western Conference Final. If the Predators remain in the number one seed in the central, they will likely square off against the Anaheim Ducks, Colorado Avalanche or Dallas Stars. All of these are favorable matchups for the Predators. Nashville’s main concern this postseason will likely be the Winnipeg Jets or the Vegas Golden Knights in the west. If the Predators return to the finals, they will likely square off against the Tampa Bay Lighting or Boston Bruins.
