Why the Predators Need to Stop Operating Like a Playoff Team
Plus: An In-Depth Look at Nashville's Goaltending Situation and Leading Scorers Entering the Second Half of the Season
Welcome to the THW Nashville Predators Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Predators writers.
In today's edition, we look at the Predators’ leading scorers entering the second half of the season, Juuse Saros’ future with the team, Nashville’s playoff aspirations and more.
If you love the THW Predators Substack, please share with your friends and family so that they can subscribe and enjoy all the latest.
Now, on to the good stuff!
Predators Leading Scorers Entering 2nd Half of the Season
February 9, 2024 by Alex Wauthy
The Nashville Predators sit just outside the playoffs coming out of NHL All-Star Weekend. Their 26-23-2 record ties them in points – 54 – with the St. Louis Blues for the Western Conference’s final wild card spot; however, their Central Division foe has played 49 games to Nashville’s 51, giving them the slight edge. While the Predators are poised to make a run at a playoff berth down the homestretch of the NHL season, the next few weeks leading up to the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline will paint a clearer picture for general manager Barry Trotz and co
Predators Need to Stop Operating Like a Playoff Team
February 8, 2024 by Emma Lingan
The Nashville Predators limped into the All-Star break having lost five of their last six games and being outscored 26-15 in their last eight. They have a 26-23-2 record – good for fifth place in the Central Division – and they are currently five points out of a playoff spot.
It’s time for a reality check. The Predators are what they are: a .500 hockey team in the early stages of a rebuild. Their goal in the final 31 games this season should not be to make the playoffs. Rather, it should be what this season was supposed to be about all along: to set the franchise up for long-term success by determining which players are critical to the team’s future – and which ones are not.
Askarov vs. Saros: Who’s the Predators’ Long-Term Starter?
February 5, 2024 by Emma Lingan
After the Pekka Rinne era, Juuse Saros established himself as the number one in Nashville and won the affection of the fans. Now, he is experiencing a new phase in the franchise, currently led by general manager Barry Trotz. With a contract until 2024-25, the Finnish netminder has accumulated awards and playoff experience, dealt with trade rumors and a defensively weaker team than in past seasons.Â
So, the lingering question is: with the current management of the franchise and impending trade deadline, what does the future hold for Saros? The answer may be linked to the arrival of a new prospect, Yaroslav Askarov.