Three-Game Losing Streak Raises Questions for Predators

The Nashville Predators have been having one of the best seasons they've ever had. However, this three game losing streak has raised a few questions over the team.

People want to know whether or not the Predators are an overrated club having a better season than they deserve. They also want to know how far the Predators are going to go.

During this three game losing streak, they have faced the Blackhawks twice and the Canucks once.

Defensively, the Predators floundered in every single one. In those three games, they allowed 13 goals while only scoring six.

The reason that this is important is that these are the teams the Predators will have to play if they make the playoffs. They have to be able to compete with teams that are better than them.

The biggest question that I had to ask was whether or not the Nashville defense was capable of defending a solid offense.

The answer to that question is a resounding no. This lack of defense isn't something that's been limited to the three games.

No, it's been happening for the entire season. Despite being so high in the standings for a good part of the season, the Predators are 21st in defense, allowing an average of 2.93 goals per game.

They are relying too much on an offense that isn't strong enough to be counted on. That offense is 12th in the NHL, scoring an average of 2.77 goals per game.

Special teams have also been a real weakness. The Predators have the second worst penalty kill in the NHL, and the power play isn't much better, sitting at the fourth worst.

Eventually, these stats will come back to haunt them. If they want to continue the success they've been having, they have to work hard on improving every number.

However, I think that it's unlikely that they'll be able to accomplish this success no matter what they do. I think that we're going to see the team start to plummet in the standings.

See more of my opinions at Tips for Hockey