BT's 2008/09 NHL Season Preview: The Nashville Predators

Preface: So I just played NHL 09 for the Xbox 360 tonight.

Granted, I own a PS2 so unless I go out and buy a PS3 I know it won't be that great, but it was still awesome.

Go out and buy it. Now. If you're reading this article, then you aren't playing enough NHL 09.

EA Sports. It's in the game.

So with the preview of the St Louis Blues out of the way, we move our way over to the most underrated team in the Central Division, and perhaps the most over-looked, consistently-in-the-playoffs team in the league, the Nashville Predators.

A few weeks ago, I talked to Jason Bukala—a Predator's scout—and he told me that the Preds are going to be better than the prognosticators think.

Although I agree, realistically, before the games start, I can't believably place them above the "big three" in this division.

But because we don't know about the massive sophomore slump that could overtake the Chicago Blackhawks, or the fact that Columbus may have another year where they don't gel as a squad, or Detroit could suffer a debilitating injury, I wouldn't be shocked to see Nashville hop up into the top three of the division and the playoffs once again.

I'm just saying...don't forget about the Nashville Predators.

Roster Additions: Tristan Grant-F (Trade), Ryan Jones-F (Trade)

Roster Subtractions: Martin Gelinas-F (Free Agent), Jan Hlavac-F (Free Agent), Josh Langfeld-F (Free Agent), Janne Niskala-D (Trade), Darcy Hordichuck-F (Trade), Chris Mason-G (Trade)

How did 2007/08 go? 41-32-9, 91 points, eighth in conference, second in division

2008/09 Goal: Return to playoffs, 5th-7th in conference

Let's break'er down...

Who expected the Nashville Predators to make the playoffs last year? Seriously. I should see no hands raised in this classroom, because we all thought they were done.

Then again, the first ten years of a franchises existence, it seems to be really hard to take them seriously because of the novelty of them being the "new team".

Well if we're counting playoff appearances as gold records, then the New Kids on the Block have four gold records. The first time they make it past the 1st round? We'll call that Platinum. After that? Who knows.

The only people that seem to believe in this team though, are the players themselves, the management, and the fans. I guess anonymity comes in handy, especially when you're the most unpredictable team in NHL history.

This year’s tender is…

As a single person, you have to have the guts to play Russian Roulette and risk your own life. As an NHL franchise, you may as well be playing it when you continually switch your starting goaltender.

Two years ago, Tomas Vokoun was shipped to the Panthers after leading the team to the playoffs and a 110 point season. If any other team did this, it would make news. Then again what other team would do something like this.

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