Nashville Predators Training Camp Preview
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
You might not have thought the Nashville Predators made improvements last season, but they actually did. They won their first game 7 in franchise history against the Anaheim Ducks in the first-round. The Predators also played in a second game 7 in the second-round, but they would lose to the San Jose Sharks.
The Predators feel like they are ready to take their game to another level. They feel they are ready to compete for the Stanley Cup. Nashville will have a lethal offense this season. The trade that sent Shea Weber to Montreal for P.K. Subban will pay off on defense.
Pekka Rinne will be the starting goalie. Marek Mazanec and Juuse Saros will compete for the back up goalie spot.
Projected Lines: 1st line: Filip Forsberg, Ryan Johansen, and Craig Smith. 2nd line: Colin Wilson, Mike Fisher, and James Neal. 3rd line: Calle Jarnkrok, Mike Ribeiro, and Viktor Arvidsson. 4th line: Austin Watson, Colton Sissons, and Miikka Salomaki.
Expect these players to step up in-case of injury: Cody Bass, Kevin Fiala, and Kevin Zolnierczyk.
Defensive Pairings: Roman Josi & P.K. Subban. Mattias Ekholm & Ryan Ellis. Anthony Bitetto & Yannick Weber.
Expect these players to step up in-case of injury: Matt Carle and Petter Granberg.
The Nashville Predators open the season on October 14th and they will host the Chicago Blackhawks.
