The Nashville Predators are in crisis — here’s why

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The Nashville Predators were considered a serious Stanley Cup contender but are now in last place in the NHL. This is behind the crisis.

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In fact, the Nashville Predators appear to have found a way out of their crisis. Swiss captain Roman Josi's side have won three games in a row after suffering five straight defeats at the start of the season. But after a brief mid-term high, things declined sharply again. The Preds have won just one of their last six games. They lost to the Florida Panthers 6-2 last night. Nashville currently sits in 32nd and last place in the NHL with nine points from 14 games.

Although general manager (GM) Barry's attempts to heat up the team appear to have failed. “If we don't win soon, then I will start our rebuilding plan,” the 62-year-old told a local radio station.

That means: If the team doesn't get into shape quickly, he'll end the game and trade players. Of course, this is somewhat of an empty threat. Nashville has strengthened again this summer, hoping for one last hurray on paper with a core of Roman Josi, Filip Forsberg and Ryan O'Reilly. Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skee all signed with the Predators. Overall, while the long-term contract adds $120 million, you can't tear it up.

Four goals in 14 games – Steven Stamkos has yet to return to form either.Image: trapezoid

But it's also clear that a response is urgently needed if Josi and his teammates want to compete in the playoffs next spring. There's still plenty of time to turn things around, of course, but strong starts to the season in Minnesota and Winnipeg make things uncomfortable. In addition to Dallas and Colorado, who also need to improve, there are two other top teams in the Central Division that are challenging Nashville for a playoff spot.

Current Central Division standings.Bild: Screenshot nhl.com

Trend reversal is not easy, but it is not impossible either. It's likely that the predators just need some time to get used to all the new members. Steven Stamkos has only played under Jon Cooper in Tampa over the past twelve years. Even great players need some time to adjust to the new system.

But the Predators can't just sit back and hope things work out at some point. Too many top actors are out of shape right now.

Roman Josi also needs improvement.Image: trapezoid

This also includes Roman Josi. The Bern captain has scored 1 goal and provided 7 assists in 14 games. The offense has not lived up to expectations, but playing in his own area is a bigger problem. A defensive pairing with Brady Skje simply wouldn’t work. When they're on the court, they're allowing 3.95 goals against per 60 minutes — by far the highest in Nashville. When the two play together, they rarely step out of their own zones.

Nashville also has center issues. Tommy Novak has yet to develop into a second-line center role and is injured. Now, AHL forward Mark Jankowksi has taken his place, leading the offense alongside Jonathan Marchessault and Gustav Nyqvist.

Perhaps GM Barry Alley is also partly to blame for the current crisis. As is often the case early in the season, star goaltender Jus Saros is still a long way from his best. And his replacement, Scott Wedgewood, performed really poorly (3 appearances, 84.1% catch rate). Although he really wanted Wedgewood to be his No.2 goalkeeper this season, he beat huge goalkeeper Jaroslav Askarov instead. The Russian was forced to be traded to San Jose, where he excelled in the AHL.

So the Predators still have some work in progress. He may have to take the next step soon after general manager Barry Although's threats didn't work — and that will be coach Andrew Brunett's job.