Nashville Predators Stanley Cup Playoff Preview

The Predators are long shots regarding Stanley Cup Odds, however, the men from Music City will give the Red Wings a run for their money.

After a summer of incredible turmoil regarding ownership and the departure of several key players, many observers expected the Nashville Predators to tumble back to also-ran status on the heels of the franchise’s most successful season in 2006-07. But somebody forgot to notify coach Barry Trotz and the guys wearing the gaudy saber-toothed jerseys in Music City.

Nashville withstood a barrage of potential distractions all season long and rallied around the only coach this franchise has ever known to post a 41-32-9 record and finish second behind Detroit in the Central Division of the Western Conference. Their reward? A No. 8 seed heading in to the playoffs and a first-round matchup with the President’s Trophy-winning Red Wings, making the Predators a true long shot on the NHL odds to win the 2008 Stanley Cup.

Veteran leadership and scoring punch was largely provided by the dynamic duo of captain Jason Arnott and slick winger J.P. Dumont, who led the Preds with 72 points each. No player on the Predators managed to score even 30 goals during the regular season, but Arnott and Dumont were capably supported by blossoming sniper Alexander Radulov (26-32-58) and the underrated Martin Erat (23-34-57). Centers David Legwand (15-29-44) and Radek Bonk (14-15-29) provided further depth up front, although Bonk posted a horrible -31 plus/minus rating which was by far the worst mark on the Predators’ roster, and Legwand is currently out with a foot injury.

As much difficulty as they have scoring goals, however, the strength of this team lies in preventing them. Youngsters Dan Hamhuis (25), Ryan Suter (23) and Shea Weber (22) herald a bright future on the Nashville blueline, and each is already playing a significant role for this team. Czech veteran Marek Zidlicky (31) led the Predators defensemen in scoring with 43 points, and Greg DeVries (35) has over 800 games of NHL experience as a stay-at-home defenseman.

Goaltenders Chris Mason and Dan Ellis took turns carrying the load for Nashville this season, with Mason posting a pedestrian 2.90 goals against average in 51 games while Ellis delivered for the Predators down the stretch and finished with a 2.34 goals against average and six shutouts, while winning 23 games in 44 starts. Ellis, 27, will likely get the nod against Detroit after posting the NHL’s best save percentage at .924.

Fans who enjoy hockey betting will get the longest NHL playoff odds in 2008 if they choose to back the Preds.