5 Biggest Issues Still Facing the Nashville Predators

By Nick Villano

Nashville Predators Issues

Nashville Predators Score — The Nashville Predators took the NHL by storm last season. Their amazing defense helped keep people off the board, while an offense led by a rookie put them in the win column more times than not. Now, people have them going to the Stanley Cup Finals thanks to their talent level and competition level. There are some issues hovering over this team.

5. Pekka Rinne's Backup

Pekka Rinne's Backup

5. Pekka Rinne's Backup

Pekka Rinne's Backup — Pekka Rinne's health was a question mark going into last season. He only played 24 games in 2013-14, which ruined their season. Last year was completely different. He played so well that he finished second in Vezina Trophy voting. What happens if he goes down again? Carter Hutton does not play up to an NHL starter's level, and Marek Mazanec is extremely unproven. Rinne's health is the most important part of the Preds' season.

4. Playing When It Matters

4. Playing When It Matters

4. Playing When It Matters

4. Playing When It Matters — Usually, when a team is really young they either play great when the pressure is on or fall apart. The Preds did both last year. On one hand, they pushed the eventual Stanley Cup champions to the limit. On the other hand, they had two six-game losing streaks when they needed as many points as possible, including losing the last six games of the season. This team needs to show they can handle these big moments.

3. Power Play

Filip Forsberg

3. Power Play

Filip Forsberg — The Predators' power play ranked 25th in the NHL last season. They scored on less than once every six chances. With talent like Mike Fisher, Filip Forsberg and Craig Smith, along with rockets for shots coming from the blue line, they should be much better. The players on the wing must play better with a man advantage.

2. Much Better Division

2. Much Better Division

2. Much Better Division

2. Much Better Division — The Colorado Avalanche added Blake Comeau, Francois Beauchemin and Carl Soderberg to what is already a really talented team. The Dallas Stars added Patrick Sharp, Johnny Oduya and Antti Niemi to what many thought was a Stanley Cup contender. Those were the only two teams to miss the playoffs. Imagine how competitive this division will be this season.

1. Shea Weber Rumors

Shea Weber

1. Shea Weber Rumors

Shea Weber — For some reason, there are rumors that the Predators should look into trading away Shea Weber. Yes, they have Roman Josi and Seth Jones who are younger, but Weber might be the best player at his position in the league. When you are a legit contender, you don't lose those kinds of players. These rumors probably don't affect the locker room, but they definitely don't help.

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