Nashville Predators’ Struggles Highlight an Unpredictable NHL Season
The 2023 NHL season has been nothing short of surprising as established teams grapple with newfound challenges, and emerging talents redefine roles across the league. Amongst the many narratives, the Nashville Predators’ tumultuous journey stands out. Despite ambitious offseason moves that brought renowned players like Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei into their fold, the team finds itself at the bottom of the standings, sharing this unenviable position with the Montreal Canadiens. The Predators’ 5-9-2 record reflects a season plagued by inconsistency and underwhelming performances.
A Rocky Start for Nashville
General Manager Barry Trotz's aggressive investments were expected to bolster the Predators’ lineup substantially. Yet, with a minus-22 goal differential at five-on-five play, the team’s struggles have become glaringly apparent. Nashville’s inability to capitalize on their strengthened roster has raised questions about their strategic execution on the ice.
While the Predators are trying to find their rhythm, goaltending prowess across the league has simultaneously captured attention. Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets has been a standout performer, leading the NHL with 12.6 goals saved above average and an impressive .934 save percentage. In contrast, Jacob Markstrom of the Calgary Flames, while still notable, ranks 18th in goals saved above average and 25th in save percentage. Further down the list is Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues, who has struggled even more compared to Markstrom.
Broad League Dynamics
Elsewhere in the league, the Florida Panthers have dazzled fans with a seven-game winning streak, demonstrating the team’s depth and versatility. Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars’ duo of Matt Duchene and Mason Marchment has been remarkably productive, combining for 11 goals and 20 assists, significantly contributing to the team’s offensive output. Simultaneously, Marco Rossi, alongside Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello for the Minnesota Wild, has added four goals and nine assists to his name, showcasing his playmaking capabilities.
In another part of the league, Chris Kreider has been effective for the New York Rangers, finding the net eight times, although he remains without an assist. His teammate, Adam Fox, has shown a penchant for distributing the puck, notching 12 assists this season, underscoring his role as a key contributor in setups. Similarly, Dylan Strome of the Washington Capitals has facilitated many of Alex Ovechkin’s scoring exploits, assisting on 10 of Ovechkin's goals in tandem with his 18 total assists.
Teams Riding Momentum and Facing Challenges
The Vegas Golden Knights, boasting a 12.0% shooting percentage, rank second in the NHL, indicative of their offensive sharpness by converting 44 goals on 30.5 expected goals. Over in Colorado, Nathan MacKinnon continues to be a catalyst for the Avalanche, who enjoy a plus-2 goal differential and a 57.3% expected goals share at five-on-five play when he is on the ice.
The Edmonton Oilers, however, are wrestling with form issues, as Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have struggled to replicate past successes. Defensively, both Jake Sanderson of the Ottawa Senators and Charlie Coyle of the Boston Bruins are contending with negative goal differentials, highlighting their vulnerability.
For the Philadelphia Flyers, Matvei Michkov’s status as a healthy scratch in two games adds another layer of intrigue to their season. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins recently hit a low point, suffering a heavy 7-1 defeat to the Dallas Stars.
Beyond team performances, struggles of key individuals are also in the spotlight. Chicago Blackhawks’ young talent Connor Bedard has found himself in a rut, failing to score in his last seven games, a dry spell that is testing his resilience early in his NHL career. Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets is also navigating a challenging stretch with just two assists in his last seven games, further hampered by a 38.0% expected goals share.
Outlook and Adaptations
While the Montreal Canadiens have conceded four or more goals on multiple occasions, indicating defensive frailties, teams around the league are seeking to adapt and reassess strategies as the season progresses. This unpredictable mix of emerging talent, team slumps, and evolving dynamics promises an enthralling remainder to the season. The Nashville Predators and others find themselves amidst a defining period that could shape trajectory and morale as the quest for form and victory continues to unfold in the NHL.