Central Division Preview
By Kyle Roberts
Sep 19, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber (6) against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Griffith-USA TODAY Sports
Nashville Predators:
2012-2013 Record: 16-23-9 – 41 Points
Coach: Barry Trotz
Standings: 5th in Central Division, 14th in Western Conference
Forwards:
Colin Wilson – Mike Fisher – Patric Hornqvist
Victor Stalberg – David Legwand – Filip Forsberg
Nick Spalling – Matt Cullen – Craig Smith
Eri Nystrom – Paul Gaustad – Matt Hendricks
Defense:
Shea Weber – Roman Josi
Kevin Klein – Seth Jones
Mattias Ekholm – Ryan Ellis
Goaltending:
Pekka Rinne
Carter Hutton
Nashville is an interesting team. They were coming off a great season with 104 points and fall down to one of the worst teams in the NHL last year. Maybe the lockout is to blame, but this team is a big question mark coming into this year. They have Pekka Rinne, one of the best goalies in the league and a young offensive core and defense, but will inexperience cost them a playoff spot this year in a tough division? We shall see. They have the skill, but it needs to be enforced effectively. Keep an eye on out on guys like Filip Forsberg and Ryan Ellis, as they are top prospects entering the season with immense potential.