Predators Represent Model of Consistency

The Nashville Predators may have been one of the most underrated teams in the NHL over the past five seasons.

Despite going through questions of whether ownership would move them to another city, the Predators have continued to play solid, playoff hockey not just this season, but in seasons past.

The Predators have made the playoffs four straight seasons and currently sit as the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference playoff picture. 

The Predators are still a relatively young team with some new faces that are still getting use to their new team. This means they will only get better.

They have veteran leadership from Jason Arnott and JP Dumont but also have young talent from Jordin Tootoo and Shea Weber, who leads all NHL defenseman in scoring.

Even though Nashville has never advanced past the first round of the playoffs, it is still very remarkable to see just a 10-year-old franchise already be this consistent.

Except for their die-hard fans, most gave the Predators no chance to even be competitive last season amid questions of whether the team would be sold off.

Despite all the doubts, the Predators made the playoffs again, and played a very tough series against the eventual Stanley Cup Champs, the Detroit Red Wings.

The four early playoff exits are also very misleading. Of the four playoff series the Predators have played, two have been against the Red Wings, and two against the Sharks. Both of these teams are considered the top teams in the Western Conference.

If not for being in the same division as the Red Wings, the Predators would probably have a couple of division titles under their belts and better results in their playoff appearances.

Overall, what was first called an experiment by bringing hockey to the Southeast has turned out to be a huge success.

Being a Nashville native, I can honestly say that the hometown fans love the Predators just as much as they do the NFL's Titans, and there is an uncanny amount of passion for this team.

The Predators front office is slowly building a team of winners that will sooner or later enjoy a breakout season. They have also kept the same coach through the team's history, in Barry Trotz, which is nothing but consistent.

For now, the Red Wings still rightfully own the Central Division of the Western Conference, but the Predators are slowly but surely creeping up.

The Red Wings—and the rest of the NHL—should be ready for the Predators. The consistency will eventually pay off, and the Predators will pounce on the prey.

The Predators look to continue their consistent play tonight against the Phoenix Coyotes at 7 pm CT.