The Road to the Stanley Cup Ends in Smashville

By Tyler Nations

The Nashville Predators brought energy and new life to Nashville when they became a team in 1997. There have been many seasons with the team not making the playoffs or making the playoffs, but not doing much about it. This year is different for many reasons. The Predators have added All-Star defenseman P.K. Subban, and his addition is the missing piece to this team’s puzzle. They have re-signed the players who have made this team better through the years, which will help keep the chemistry where it needs to be. Most importantly, team members believe in one another, and the fans let them know how special they are each and every game. There are a few sources who also believe in this team.

When I was a freshman in high school, I started going to the games. I went to opening night and the Predators played the Anaheim Ducks, in which they won 4-1. One of the main reasons I fell in love with this team was the way all the fans would feed off each other’s energy. One section of the stadium would start chanting followed by the other side. Predator’s fans are known as the “7^th man” because of how loud and supportive they are for the team. The reason they are called the “7^th man” is because there are six players on the ice for each team at one time, and the fans make that seventh man. The end of the season rolled around and it was playoff time. The Predators had never won a playoff series, but in 2011 that would change. I went to two games, and one was the sixth game in which they won the series. I had never been to a sporting event that loud or energetic. I knew this team would be special, and five years later, I was not wrong. Since then, the Predators have made the playoffs all but two seasons and seem to have found a consistent rhythm each season. This year they will bring the cup home for numerous reasons.

The schedule for the Predators this year is a bit different than usual. They have something to prove, and their schedule is tougher than prior years. If you want to be the best you have to beat the best. They begin regular season play against the Blackhawks at home and the following night head straight up to Chicago, and face them again. The road games will be tough as usual just because of where they will have to play at. Multiple stretches in the season, they will go on road trips to places such as California and Canada. Overall, the schedule is more difficult but they will rise to occasion, and win games. (https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/7-critical-characteristics-of-the-predators-2016-17-schedule/c-886538)

Tim Campbell, a regional writer for NHL.com, has predicted the Nashville Predators will win because of how strong their goaltending and defense are. You know what they say: “Defense wins championships.” He also believes the chemistry and experience this team possesses will benefit them in the long run. (https://www.nhl.com/news/2016-2017-predictions-from-nhl-experts/c-282554762)

            The Predators’ odds of winning the Stanley Cup went up when trading for Subban, because of the impact he brings each and every game. Those odds will continue to get better as the season goes on. Subban has been paired with Roman Josi, who also knows how to put the puck in the net, and many are saying this duo is the best in all of hockey. (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2646746-early-odds-for-every-nhl-team-to-win-the-2017-stanley-cup/page/21) 

One of the more intriguing sources of them all is the new NHL ’17 video game, which simulated an entire season with the Predators finishing the season with 110 points. They went on to win the Stanley Cup as well. You might feel that a video game prediction is far-fetched, but the point is that people are buying into this team, and I think everyone should start believing they are the real deal. (https://www.easports.com/nhl/news/2016/nhl-17-season-simulation)

Many reasons show why this team has what it takes. They have the talent, they have the belief, and they have the fan base that will support them no matter what. The Predators have taken a big step forward to try and get to the point where they can bring the cup home to Nashville. This is going to be an exciting year of hockey, and at the end of it, the Predators will have the cup. 

###