Are the Predators outperforming?

By Olivia Lawrence 

RP Show Intern

The Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL) are 12-9-1 and sitting third in the Central Division so far this season. Rod Pedersen and NHL alumni and analyst Stu Grimson did not predict the team would be doing so well or even have a chance at making the playoffs. Grimson is pleasantly surprised, his biggest concern he had prior to this season was the team’s goaltending situation. 

“[Goal tender] Juuse Saros, has really answered the question,” said Grimson. “Can he hold down the number and turn in really solid serviceable minutes consistently? He’s answered that question in the affirmative. I think we have witnessed the successful transition from [Pekka] Rinne to Saros, and I really do think you’ve got a guy who’s really got his game buttoned down.”

Looking beyond the goalie situation, Grimson is also impressed by the level of play of forwards Ryan Johansen and Matt Duchene. And some unlikely contributions he has noticed have been forwards Mikael Granlund, Eeli Tolvanen and Yakov Trenin. Colton Sissons has provided some important minutes from a lower spot on the roster as well. 

“The thing that I find really precarious and I don’t know when we’ve seen this in the past, but despite the fact that the Preds appear to have a spot buttoned down, remember, Colorado is underperforming to this point,” said Grimson. “I think Winnipeg is capable of better hockey, and these are two teams lurking beneath the Preds in the Central Division standings.” 

Rod Pedersen had the Colorado Avalanche picked as number one in the Central Division followed by the Winnipeg Jets. The Jets are sitting fourth in the Division right now, and the Avalanche are sitting at a disappointing sixth. 

There are still lots of games to go this season however, and Grimson believes the Vegas Golden Knights could be another threat for the team if it comes to a race for a wild card spot. 

 “Once they get completely healthy, once they integrate Jack Eichel back into the mix, I think Vegas is going to be a club that’s going to be competing for a top eight spot in the West as well,” said Grimson. “So cautiously optimistic about the Preds, but again, they’ve got to keep up probably a 600 hockey clip or better to kind of button down a spot this year, just the way things are shaking out so far.”

The Golden Knights have been one of the most injury prone teams in the NHL so far this season and have also faced player absences due to COVID-19 protocols. 

“Interesting you say that Grimmer about the Golden Knights, last I looked I don’t think they’re in the top four in the Pacific, but I’m with you,” said Rod Pedersen. “I think they’ll get it figured out and can you imagine once Jack Eichel shows up?!”

Catch the Predators play at home on Thursday night (Dec.2) against the Boston Bruins. Both the Golden Knights and the Avalanche play on Wednesday night (Dec.1), and the Winnipeg Jets are at home on Friday (Dec 3).