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Six things the Predators must do to make playoffs |
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When Peter Laviolette was coaching the Nashville Predators earlier this season, they posted a record of 19-15-7. In terms of securing available points, Laviolette’s team had a 54.8% success rate.
Since John Hynes replaced Laviolette, the Predators are 15-11-1 for a 60.7% winning percentage.
Laviolette had his team playing at a 90-point season pace. Under Hynes, the Predators are at a 99.8-point season pace.
To put that into perspective, the Colorado Avalanche earned the final Western playoff spot last season with 90 points and the Predators won the Central Division with 100 points.
Hynes is making a difference, particularly when it comes to accountability. Top players, such as Filip Forsberg, Viktor Arvidsson, Matt Duchene and Ryan Johansen, have had their ice time trimmed under Hynes.
He has been consistent in rewarding production and strong efforts, and limiting playing time for those who don’t play up to their ability. Mikael Grandlund is playing more under Hynes than he did under Laviolette. Kyle Turris is back in the Predators’ good graces.
The Predators believe the increased accountability will pay off in the stretch run to the playoffs. As of this morning, the Predators are one point out of the playoffs in the Western Conference. But there are sound reasons to believe this team will make it, not the least of which is the fact the Predators believe this is one of the most talented teams in the franchise’s history.
Here is what the Predators must do to qualify for the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season:
1. Big numbers from top players: Forsberg has 30-goal ability, and yet he has 19 goals this season. He has netted one goal in his past 18 games. Johansen hasn’t registered a point in his past five games, and Hynes cut his playing time to under 14 minutes in two of those games. His assist total is less than half of what it was last season when he posted a career-best 50. The Predators expected Duchene to have more than 13 goals at this point of the season. Injuries have hampered Arvidsson this season. The Predators need Forsberg to get hot the rest of the way. Three of these four players must play at an elite level to push the Predators into the playoffs.
2. Consistent defensive play: The Predators look tighter defensively since Ryan Ellis returned from injury. Dating back to Barry Trotz’s days, defensive consistency has been key to their success. They need to remember that defense should be the strength of their game. Until recently, it hasn't been.
3. Play bigger than they are: This is a team with several smaller players. In the NHL this becomes an issue in the playoffs and the games leading up to the playoffs. The fact that we have seen six-foot-six Jarred Tinordi and six-foot-three Korbinian Holzer as a defensive pairing may be an indication that the Predators are aware they have to play a stronger, tougher game. The Predators can play a bit braver when they have bigger guys on the ice. Tinordi clearly recognizes what needs to happen. He went after Dallas forward Corey Perry (for the play that injured Ellis) and St. Louis defenseman Robert Bortuzzo (for the hit that injured Arvidsson).
4. Consistent goaltending: Goaltending can’t be blamed solely for what has happened to the team’s goals-against average this season, but Pekka Rinne’s .895 save percentage is telling. But Juuse Saros now seems poised to carry the load for the Predators. He’s coming off back-to-back shutouts, and has a .951 save percentage over his past eight appearances. He’s been playing the way Rinne did when he was at his best.
5. Improved special teams: The Predators are 25th in power play percentage (17.1%) and 29th in penalty killing efficiency (75.8%). Their special team play has been embarrassingly poor. But they scored important power play goals against the Dallas Stars in the back-to-back shutouts and killed off the Stars’ power play chances. The tide may be turning.
6. Win on March 24: That’s the night they play the Winnipeg Jets in Nashville. That’s a must-win game because the Jets are probably the key rival for a wild card spot. It feels as if the Predators will have to win this game in regulation to qualify. With 14 games left, the Predators have a comfortable schedule. Only six of those games are against teams safely in a playoff position. They also play Minnesota twice. The Wild are playing well enough to grab one of those wild card spots. The Predators can do this themselves. They don’t need help.
Blogger •HHOF Writer's column on the NHL • 
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