The offseason for the Nashville Predators is certainly here before anyone in Smashville would have wanted. The Preds were eliminated in Game 6 against the Dallas Stars. Of course, we all know that part. Heck, we all probably saw it coming, too. There was just something off about this team for the majority of the season. Something wasn’t clicking and it cost the Preds.
Funny thing is, we’re saying this about a team that ended up winning their division. I think that just goes to show how high the expectations are for this franchise now. It’s deep playoffs runs or bust for Nashville now. Central Division championships are great, but more is expected now. So what caused the Preds to stumble in the playoffs for the second straight season? I actually think it’s a mix of factors.
DAVID POILE
For as great as David Poile has been for this Nashville franchise, he’s not above criticism. While he’s been able to pull off some amazing trades in his time here, free agency is a different story. Outside of a handful of big names, Poile typically likes to go bargain hunting come July.
This past offseason, the team came to Poile and said they wanted another shot at the Cup with the group they had. Problem is, they were kind of exposed in the series against the Jets. While you have to love the confidence of the group, Poile has to be smarter than that and recognize that the Preds were a few pieces away from being real contenders. The team was great two years ago, but the Central Division caught up to the Preds in a hurry. It’s Poile’s responsibility to keep the Preds ahead of the curve, and he failed to do that. The blame isn’t solely at the GM’s feet however.
COACHING STAFF
I think the coaching staff played a big role in the Predators’ struggles this year. We all know the story with the power play. It’s been the same for two years now. When you have a veteran on the team in Craig Smith calling out the PP specifically, you know it’s an issue. He did it tastefully and didn’t single any one person out, but ultimately someone must be held responsible for the abomination that is the Predators’ power play. Kevin McCarthy was in charge for most of the season, then it switched to Dan Muse. This is Peter Laviolette’s staff though, so who’s going to fix it?
In the exit interviews, it was announced that the entire coaching staff would be returning. So right now, it sounds like no one is being held responsible. I think this is a big mistake. We’ve had two years of this coaching staff’s PP, and it’s been near or at the bottom of the league both years. Do we really think anything is going to suddenly change and start clicking? Doubtful.
There’s also the question of whether Laviolette’s system is still effective? Several players had down years this season. Is this just a result of bad luck, or is it something bigger? Lavy has had an expiration date everywhere he’s coached so far, so you have to ask when that time will be in Nashville. I’m willing to give Laviolette one more season to right the ship, but I can’t say the same about his assistants.
PLAYERS
We can say all we want about the front office and the coaching staff, but in the end, it really does come down to players executing and making plays. I know Forsberg, Arvidsson, Subban, Sissons, and Turris all missed significant time with various injuries, but you can’t use that as an excuse. At the end of the day, your best players have to make plays and it just didn’t happen this year.
Turris looked nothing like the player we saw after the trade last year. Ellis looks like he got old and slow real quick. For as good as Ekholm was during the regular season, he was just as bad in the playoffs. The defense as a whole seemed to forget how to play defense for games at a time. Those are players you rely on to be your leaders and it just didn’t happen this season. There are others that could have done more, but you get the point. The Predators were a one-line team for the majority of the season that couldn’t keep the puck out of their own net. Not exactly a recipe for success.
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
I think it’s safe to say changes are needed in Nashville. We know Poile and the coaching staff will be back, so it’s going to have to be on-the-ice changes. Looking at the roster, it’s tough to see where exactly those changes will happen though. Kyle Turris is the first one that comes to mind for a trade candidate, but his contract is a lot for a new team to take on given his lack of production in the playoffs last year and this season. Do you trade one of Ellis or Subban while you can still maximize the return for either one? The rise of Fabbro certainly makes that a possibility. There’s also Eeli Tolvanen waiting for his shot with the Preds. They can’t keep him in Milwaukee forever.
I’d like to see the Preds add some size and physicality to the lineup while not sacrificing their speed. I think re-signing Brian Boyle would be a great start. He did everything that was asked of him during his time with Nashville. They have to add some depth scoring as well. JOFA can’t do it all. Everyone loves to point at Duchene, but the deeper Columbus goes in the playoffs, the less likely it is he becomes available. Plain and simple, the Preds need to add players that can put the puck in the net and not get pushed around.
On the defensive end, they have to be better. Poile needs to find a couple depth defensemen to replace Weber, Irwin, and Hamhuis. I really think a trade of Ellis or Subban is a possibility. Whatever happens, changes have to be made. The Preds are in a bit of weird spot right now. They’re still a team that could make a run, but they’ll have to rebuild on the fly. Poile is certainly capable of doing it, so we’ll just have to sit back and see what he’s able to pull off.
Be sure to check out the Talking Preds Podcast. New episodes almost weekly. Be sure to follow along on Twitter and Facebook for live tweeting during the games along with something new we’re trying out. For certain games, I’ll be jumping on live during intermissions, pre-game, or post-game with thoughts on the game. Love to have some good hockey discussion so follow along and let me know what you guys think.
Herbie Brooks is the Lead Nashville Predators Analyst for SoBros Network. He knows three things: beating Commies, winning Gold Medals, and having great hair. Follow him on Twitter: @SoBroHerbie_B
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