As the NHL season resumes following the end of the Sochi games, the Predators can look forward to what promises to be an interesting wild card race in the West. With 5 teams vying for the final spot and separated by merely 4 points, every game is essentially a must-win for the inconsistent Nashville squad. Bridgestone Arena continues to be a hostile environment for visiting teams and with a 5-game home stand to open up following the Olympic break, the Predators hope to make up some ground early. Let's look at some other storylines to watch in the Music City for the next few months.
1. How soon will Pekka Rinne make his return?
Even more importantly, how will he play when he finally breaks back into the lineup? The Predators have an astonishingly bad -34 goal differential this season. As a franchise that has historically embodied the "defense first" mentality this number is a bit uncharacteristic, but not surprising given their youth on the blue line. Mazanec and Hutton held their own at the beginning of the season, but eventually talent and experience caught up with them. The addition of Dubnyk seemed like it would curb some of the goaltending woes, but his recent performances in Edmonton have followed him down South. Rinne headed to Milwaukee for what we can all hope is a brief rehabilitation stint, and the Predators will certainly hope that the second of their stars will make his presence felt shortly.
2. What will happen to the original Predator?
Trade rumors have been swirling around the league concerning David Legwand. He is undoubtedly one of the most attractive options at center for potential buyers, and with his impending free agency looming David Poile may be forced to shop him at the deadline. If an offer comes involving some draft picks or a young prospect, it may be very tempting to part with the Nashville-lifer given the Predators aptitude for drafting well and developing talent. However, Legwand leads the team in points and assists, has a no-trade clause, and has a family that adores Nashville. I would love to see him spend his entire career here, but the idea of Legwand getting a chance to win a championship as a rental and then return to the Music City this Summer in free agency sounds like a good thing for everyone involved.
3. How will Del Zotto fit into the Predators system?
This acquisition offers two storylines to examine. Will the Predators make some additional moves and turn into buyer rather than sellers at this deadline? Poile has proven every year to be one of the brightest GM's in the league with one eye on the present and one eye on the future (I suppose his recent injury may suggest otherwise, but nonetheless he is one of the best). With the addition of MDZ all 3 blue line shifts have 2 players playing on their natural side. Seth Jones explained today on a local radio show that this provides an incredible advantage for him personally, and he is excited to play on a pairing with a like-minded player. If MDZ can return to the form of the early portion of the year, one could argue that as Josi and Jones develop the Predators could have one of the most formidable defensive corps in the league.
More storylines coming tomorrow followed by a brief preview of the Predators-Blues matchup that kicks off the next half of the season in Nashville!
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