The Nashville Predators clinched the Central Division with three wins over the Buffalo Sabres, the Vancouver Canucks, and the Chicago Blackhawks. The Predators are unquestionably playing their best hockey, and are peaking at the exact right time.
Key Stats
Goals
Against Buffalo: Craig Smith, P.K. Subban, Ryan Johansen
Against Vancouver: Colton Sissons, Nick Bonino, Ryan Johansen
Against Chicago: Dante Fabbro, Filip Forsberg, Viktor Arvidsson, Colton Sissons, Nick Bonino
Assists
Against Buffalo: Kyle Turris, P.K. Subban, Viktor Arvidsson, Roman Josi
Against Vancouver: Nick Bonino, Austin Watson (2), Ryan Ellis, Filip Forsberg
Against Chicago: Filip Forsberg, Dan Hamhuis, Mikael Granlund, Wayne Simmonds, Craig Smith, P.K. Subban, Nick Bonino, Ryan Ellis, Austin Watson
What Happened (Buffalo)
Craig Smith scored the first goal of the game with his face at 8:49 after a P.K. Subban ripper popped him on his cheek. Subban wasn’t done, as he bombed another in the second period only 44 seconds in. Ryan Johansen, who has a knack for netting game-winning goals, backhanded the third goal off the backboard at 6:32 in the third period.
What Happened (Vancouver)
Nashville stormed back after a lackluster first period. Colton Sissons and Nick Bonino grabbed a goal apiece to tie the game, and Ryan Johansen backhanded a ricocheted shot into a virtually empty net. The Predators held down the fort and moved to first place in the Central Division. The last time they held that spot was before they played the Canucks back on December 9th.
What Happened (Chicago)
Chicago grabbed two goals in the first period, but the Predators did not go away. Dante Fabbro netted his first NHL goal, and Filip Forsberg slapped the tying goal past Cam Ward before the second period was over. Viktor Arvidsson, Colton Sissons, and Nick Bonino finished the comeback, and with that win, the Predators claimed the Central Division.
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphins
by Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Some Stats For You
Ryan Johansen had a career year with 50 assists, surpassing his previous record of 47. Johansen centered different forwards all year yet still found ways to contribute. He also led the team in primary assists and power play points.
Ryan Ellis finished the year with 41 points, which was a career high for him. Colton Sissons and Mattias Ekholm also surpassed their individual point totals, and Nick Bonino put 35 points together. All four players are traditionally defensive-oriented, but every player found ways to contribute at differing times.
Kyle Turris and Calle Jarnkrok were disappointing this year. Jarnkrok, who had sporadic offensive moments, ultimately produced only 26 points in 79 games. Turris, who was hurt for most of the year, has recently found his legs. Points are coming for him, but a couple of Turris-goals here and there would’ve really helped the Predators.
Looking Forward
For the first time in franchise history, the Nashville Predators are the Central Division champions in consecutive years. Regardless of how the season went or how you felt about the team overall, they got the job done. They will face the Dallas Stars in the first round of the playoffs.
Zac Rinaldo, who completed his miraculous recovery from season-ending shoulder surgery, has been activated from the IR. He flew through the conditioning stint in Milwaukee and has been medically cleared to play again. Rinaldo last played on January 1st.
Viktor Arvidsson did it; he became the all-time regular season goal scorer for the Nashville Predators. On an innocent looking shot, Arvidsson sniped his 34th goal of the year past Cam Ward, and his celebration accurately described the entire mood in Bridgestone Arena. He passed Filip Forsberg and Jason Arnott, who both previously held the record of 33 goals. Oh, and he only needed 58 games to do it.
This team does not have a good power play, but they have excellent goaltending and can outplay teams in 5-on-5 situations. Perhaps they’ll find some power play magic in the postseason (as in getting the puck to Viktor Arvidsson, Filip Forsberg, or P.K. Subban).
End of Season Awards
Most Improved Player: Colton Sissons
He increased his goal and point totals and stepped up in the absence of Arvidsson and Forsberg. Sissons will likely have a solid postseason as well.
Most Impressive Player: Mattias Ekholm
Ekholm was the hottest player in the lineup for a time and was able to contribute 36 assists. He stabilized the defensive core when Subban was injured.
Biggest Addition to the lineup: Mikael Granlund
Granlund was basically what the Predators wanted Kevin Fiala to be: a mature forward who could anchor the second line. He’s on the verge of breaking out and racking up points.
Biggest Subtraction to the lineup: Ryan Hartman
It’s a shame Hartman could not find a concrete place in the lineup. While Simmonds for Hartman was a fair trade, he was a fan favorite who could have very well been a big piece for the Predators down the road.
Most Effective Forward: Viktor Arvidsson
He scored 34 goals in 58 games. Enough said.
Best Defensive Defenseman: Ryan Ellis
Ellis, despite the lack of scoring, overall played the best defense in front of Rinne and Saros. Numbers don’t always reflect play, but Ellis definitely provided some cushion and allowed Josi to attack.
Best Player: Roman Josi
Josi was the rock of the team. The Captain may be soft-spoken, but he made some noise when his skates hit the ice. He picked up almost 28 minutes of ice time per night when Subban was hurt, contributed both offensively and defensively, and was clearly the best player for the Predators in the regular season.
–Jack Woods covers the Nashville Predators and the Central Division for PenaltyBoxRadio.com and FullPressCoverage.com. You can follow Jack on Twitter at @jack_woods15
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 234: Madman Trade Showby Full Press Coverage on June 23, 2022 at 9:36 pm
-
Ep 233: Rookie Draft Roundupby Full Press Coverage on June 9, 2022 at 2:59 am
-
Ep 232: Philosophy of Fantasy Footballby Full Press Coverage on June 3, 2022 at 10:32 pm
-
Ep 231: Sons of Dynasty Draftsby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 9:28 pm
-
5/11 - Patriots Depth Chart, Contract Issues, Smoked Meat, and Ernie Adams With Matt Chathamby Full Press Coverage on May 11, 2021 at 7:54 pm
Matt Chatham joins Steve, Murph, and Clare to talk Patriots depth chart, […]
-
5/4 - Good, Bad, and Ugly From NFL Draft With Evan Lazarby Full Press Coverage on May 4, 2021 at 7:39 pm
Evan Lazar of CLNS Media joins Steve, Murph, and Claire to recap the […]
-
6/24 - WSOP; NBA Finals Talk; Stanley Cup Coming To An End; NBA Draftby Full Press Coverage on June 24, 2022 at 2:15 pm
Ian and John are back to discuss the World Series of Poker, the NBA Finals […]
-
6/15 - Celtics Falter In San Fran, Can They Force A Game 7?by Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 4:23 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics loss in Game 5 and what they have to do […]
-
6/13 - Goodfellas; Celtics/Warriors, Stanley Cup Finalby Full Press Coverage on June 13, 2022 at 4:46 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics loss in Game 4 and look ahead to Game 5 […]
-
Are The Celtics In The Heads Of The Warriors?by Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 5:50 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics Game Two win as well as if they are […]
-
6/10 - Jason Alexander; Tom Brady; Celtics/Warriorsby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 2:24 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tom Brady non answer, Jason Alexander's weekend, […]
-
6/6 - Josh Allen Overhyped? Celtics/Warriors Game Twoby Full Press Coverage on June 6, 2022 at 2:46 pm
Ian and John discuss whether or not Josh Allen is being overhyped and they […]
-
6/3 - Celtics Take Game One From Golden Stateby Full Press Coverage on June 3, 2022 at 10:46 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics big win over the Warriors in game one of […]
-
5/27 - RIP Ray Liotta; Golden State Advances; Celtics On The Vergeby Full Press Coverage on May 27, 2022 at 7:00 pm
Ian and John discuss the passing of actor Ray Liotta, the Warriors Game 5 […]
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to the […]
-
Ep 37: Matt Ryan Traded To The Colts; Jameis Returns To NOLA; Mariota to ATLby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts […]
-
Talkamania Episode 227by Talkamania on June 12, 2022 at 3:27 am
-
Talkamania Episode 228by Talkamania on June 12, 2022 at 3:04 am
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 188 "MITB Preview"by Boot 2 The Face on June 26, 2022 at 10:25 pm
Rucker and Marty are back talking the updated Forbidden Door ppv, injuries […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 186 "Cody Did What?"by Boot 2 The Face on June 13, 2022 at 12:21 am
Boys are back talking WWE HIAC, and the crazy effort put forth by Cody […]
-
Instant Reaction: Colorado Avalanche Win The Stanley Cupby Full Press Coverage on June 27, 2022 at 3:57 am
-
Ep 119: Sting Part One - Surf's Upby Full Press Coverage on June 25, 2022 at 2:00 pm
-
6/24 - WSOP; NBA Finals Talk; Stanley Cup Coming To An End; NBA Draftby Full Press Coverage on June 24, 2022 at 2:15 pm
-
Ep 234: Madman Trade Showby Full Press Coverage on June 23, 2022 at 9:36 pm
-
Ep. 4: Staying In The Southeastby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 9:13 pm
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
-
Ep. 42: What Is Going On?by Full Press Coverage on June 21, 2022 at 5:00 am
-
Ep. 29: Giants True or False w/ Nate Talks Footballby Full Press Coverage on June 20, 2022 at 11:00 am
-
Ep 118: Yoshihiro Tajiriby Full Press Coverage on June 18, 2022 at 2:00 pm
-
Ep 135: Packers Fan Series with Brandon Hallby Full Press Coverage on June 17, 2022 at 10:02 pm
-
6/24 - WSOP; NBA Finals Talk; Stanley Cup Coming To An End; NBA Draftby Full Press Coverage on June 24, 2022 at 2:15 pm
-
6/15 - Celtics Falter In San Fran, Can They Force A Game 7?by Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 4:23 pm
-
6/13 - Goodfellas; Celtics/Warriors, Stanley Cup Finalby Full Press Coverage on June 13, 2022 at 4:46 pm
-
Are The Celtics In The Heads Of The Warriors?by Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 5:50 pm
-
6/10 - Jason Alexander; Tom Brady; Celtics/Warriorsby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 2:24 pm
-
6/6 - Josh Allen Overhyped? Celtics/Warriors Game Twoby Full Press Coverage on June 6, 2022 at 2:46 pm
-
6/3 - Celtics Take Game One From Golden Stateby Full Press Coverage on June 3, 2022 at 10:46 pm
-
5/27 - RIP Ray Liotta; Golden State Advances; Celtics On The Vergeby Full Press Coverage on May 27, 2022 at 7:00 pm
-
5/25 - Texas Tragedy; Celtics/Heat Game Fiveby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 7:21 pm
-
Which Athlete Do You Want To See Roasted?by Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 2:40 pm