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Game Night - The "What's Wrong" Edition

February 18, 2021, 10:28 AM ET [10 Comments]
Paul McCann
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • RSSArchiveCONTACT
After a break to really let a bad performance sink in… after back-to-back cancellations in Dallas… the Nashville Predators are back in action to finally begin this road trip… It’s two against Columbus before heading to Detroit for two against the Red Wings. Maybe the break will help, help this team figure out who and what they are… because, so far… this team is confounding almost everyone.

For all the grousing, wailing and gnashing of teeth… there really is no easy answer.

Is it team construction? I am not sure of that, GM David Poile seemed to add some really good pieces to compliment the centerpieces of this team. There is some good talent developing in the minors, quibble with previous moves if you must, that is fair game, but GMDP seemed to fill some real needs on this team.

Is it coaching? Perhaps, it does appear that the team is thinking a bit too much on the ice. The John Hynes system does not appear to be taking hold very well with his team. It will be up to the coach to make adjustments in order to help the team execute his systems. Special teams have been horrid and the team’s performance has been maddeningly inconsistent. To be fair… Hynes was brought in after the firing of Peter Laviolette and did inherit a team that was in a bit of disarray. He has yet to get a full training camp with this team, has dealt with a four month pause and an uncertain offseason. That being said, I do question some lineup decisions, especially after hearing how the youth was going to get a chance. I don’t know how long of a leash this coach has.

Is it players? Players have t be responsible for their performance, and a quick check of the stats through the first 15 games finds the team in the bottom 10 of the league in most team stats. The individual story is not much different. Individual stats… well the only player that is delivering on a consistent basis is Filip Forsberg, who is just under a point per game with 7 goals and 7 assists. Matt Duchene is at 3g and 5a, Roman Josi at 2g and 6a. Mikael Granlund has been solid and Rocco Grimaldi has been a spark plug whenever inserted into the lineup. Injuries have impacted some chemistry and new players added have had an impact on-ice as well. But high paid players are not delivering when they need to.

The next four games are critical to any hope of making the playoffs. I am not going to say that the team needs to sweep eight points over the next four games… but it wouldn’t hurt.

Game time tonight is 6pm CT, coverage of Fos Sports Tennessee and 102.5 the Game.

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Random Notes – Presented by

- Return? - Ryan Johansen is travelling with the team and could possibly return to the lineup either tonight or Saturday.

-Break - The Predators had a four day break due to the Texas power outages. Could be just what the doctor ordered for a team struggling to find itself.

- Lake Tahoe - The NHL is doing it again, coming up with a unique outdoor venue, this weekend games will be played with Lake Tahoe as a backdrop. Vegas and Colorado play Saturday, Boston and Philly play Sunday.

- Offense - Columbus is struggling just as much as the Preds, giving up a ton of goals in the past six games… one team will get well… but which one?

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SlapShot Radio is back, the 13th season is underway, we are on Wednesdays at 7pm on 102.5 the Game.

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