The Nashville Predators faced challenges early in the season, struggling to score goals, lacking crucial saves, and displaying a sense of disarray that was uncharacteristic of their usual performance. However, their current standing paints a starkly different picture.
As of Monday, March 25, the Predators have secured the first wild card position in the Western Conference, rank fourth in the Central Division, sixth in the Western Conference, and 11th overall in the league, boasting a record of 42-25-4, totaling 88 points. These achievements are noteworthy given their initial struggles, but what’s even more impressive is their performance since February 17th.
During this period, the Predators have maintained an impressive record of 15-0-2, resulting in a 17-game point streak and solidifying their status as a formidable team in the league.
The Nashville Predators have benefited greatly from exceptional goaltending by Juuse Saros and backup netminder Kevin Lankinen during their impressive streak. Both goalies have demonstrated their ability to secure crucial victories and provide the level of goaltending necessary for a successful run.
Juuse Saros, aged 28, has delivered another strong performance for the Predators this season. He boasts a record of 31-21-0-4 with a 2.73 goals-against average, a .909 save percentage, and has earned three shutouts. While his future with the team beyond this season remains uncertain, Saros has proven his value to the organization, fans, and management. His consistent play has made him one of the league’s most reliable goaltenders, and he has shown that he can lead the team to the playoffs.
Kevin Lankinen, also 28 years old, has provided steady goaltending support for the Predators. With a record of 10-4, a 2.90 goals-against average, a .904 save percentage, and one shutout, Lankinen has been a reliable presence between the pipes. He has particularly excelled in his last three starts:
February 25th against the Anaheim Ducks: Made 29 saves out of 31 shots, securing a victory.
March 9th against the Columbus Blue Jackets: Stopped 31 of 34 shots, leading to a victory.
March 21st against the Florida Panthers: Recorded a shutout with 33 saves.
Another contributing factor to the Predators’ current success is the outstanding performance of their top two players – Filip Forsberg and Roman Josi. These two players have carried the team on their shoulders and are fulfilling their roles to drive the team towards victories.
At 29 years old, Forsberg is currently the team’s leading scorer with 78 points from 39 goals and 39 assists. He poses a constant scoring threat with his excellent shooting skills, vision on the ice, and willingness to play aggressively in front of the net to score goals.
Josi, at 33 years old, is having a standout season reminiscent of a potential James Norris Memorial Trophy winner. He currently ranks second on the team with 72 points, consisting of 18 goals and 54 assists. Beyond his offensive contributions, Josi excels in shot-blocking, smart puck handling, defensive responsibility, and serves as the team’s most dependable player.
In addition, head coach Andrew Brunette has demonstrated excellent leadership, making strategic decisions that have benefited the team’s performance. This includes prioritizing team commitments over personal activities, such as cancelling a planned trip to see U2 in Vegas, to maintain focus and cohesion.
Although their current winning streak may not last indefinitely, the Predators have showcased their ability to excel when playing with the right strategy, timely scoring, and strong goaltending. This has established them as a formidable opponent in the league and could position them as a challenging contender come playoff time.
