With second training camp underway, the Nashville Predators prepare for the Arizona Coyotes in the Qualifying Round to partake in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Offensively the Predators were led by defenseman Roman Josi who had 16 goals and 49 assists for 65 points in 69 games played, while forward Filip Forsberg led the way for the Predators with 21 goals on the season. In his first season with the Predators forward Matt Duchene would record 13 goals and 29 assists for 42 points in what many deemed a disappointing season after signing a huge seven year contract with the team.
On defense the Predators are led by Josi, but also have steady defenders in Ryan Ellis (8 goals, 30 assists for 38 points) and Mattias Ekholm (8-25-33) to help lead the way for Nashville. Also with the coaching change midway through the season for the Predators from Peter Laviolette to John Hines sent shock waves of change.
Between the pipes, longtime number one goaltender Pekka Rinne would split the duties with Juuse Saros. In 35 games started Rinne would post a 18-14-4 record with a 3.17 GAA and a .895 Save Percentage while Saros would go 17-12-4 in 34 starts with a 2.70 GAA and .914 Save Percentage. Saros gets the edge over Rinne at this time, but only time will tell if this duo can matchup against Arizona’s goaltending tandem.
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