Nashville added depth at defenseman prior to the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline with the acquisition of Jeremy Lauzon from the Seattle Kraken for a second-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. The 24-year-old, who has 48 hits and is averaging 17:06 of ice time in 13 games since the trade, is week to week with a lower-body injury sustained April 16.
The Predators rank in the top 15 in goals per game (3.18, 12th) and power-play percentage (24.6 percent; fifth).
Here's a look at their path to a playoff berth:
Most Valuable Player:Josi became the second Predators defenseman to score at least 20 goals in one season, joining Shea Weber, who did it three times (23 in 2008-09 and 2013-14; 20 in 2015-16). He is the eighth defenseman in NHL history to score at least 93 points in one season and first since Phil Housley (97) in 1992-93.
Unsung Hero: Jeannot, an undrafted forward, is sixth among NHL rookies in points (41), eighth in blocked shots (62), tied in game-winning goals (five) and third in penalties drawn (27). Jeannot signed with Nashville as a free agent April 2, 2018.
Memorable moment:After the Predators retired Rinne's No. 35 on Feb. 24, Saros made 27 saves and did not allow a goal in the shootout of a 2-1 win against the Dallas Stars before 17,869 at Bridgestone Arena. Rinne played 15 seasons for Nashville and holds most of its major goalie records. Saros has the second-most wins by a Predators goalie in a one season (Rinne, 43 in 2011-12; 42 in 2017-18; 41 in 2014-15).
Key Number:2,400. The Predators are first in the NHL with 2,400 hits (29.67 per 60 minutes), which is significant considering they're 12th in goals scored (254). They can play a gritty, in-your-face style or at a high-tempo, end-to-end pace. In a 6-4 win at the Florida Panthers on Feb. 22, the Predators rallied from down 1-0, 3-1 and 4-3 to end Florida's nine-game home winning streak. In a 3-2 shootout win against the Calgary Flames on April 19, Nashville had 40 hits, 12 takeaways, 18 blocked shots and won 33 of 56 face-offs (59.0 percent).
Question Mark:The Predators lead the NHL in penalties taken (381), including major penalties (60) and penalty minutes (1,010). Though they are 78.9 percent on the penalty kill, they've struggled at staying disciplined, an area that should be a major talking point for coach John Hynes and his staff entering the playoffs. The Predators can't afford to be giving up an NHL-high 12:37 of power-play time each game. They're also tied for last in the NHL with two shorthanded goals.
Reason Predators Can Win It All:Saros is good enough to carry Nashville on a long run, but his status is in question after leaving the game against the Flames. David Rittich (5-3-4; 3.56 goals-against average, .883 save percentage) would likely start in his absence. The power play has been strong all season. Duchene leads the Predators with 16 power-play goals, Ryan Johansen has scored 11, and Josi and Forsberg each have 10. The Predators have a team primed for postseason success and should be able to make it difficult for any opponent with their speed, tenacity and leadership throughout the lineup.
