The Nashville Predators are staking claim to the top overall record in the NHL and have taken over the top spot of a Central Division that was supposed to belong to the Chicago Blackhawks or St. Louis Blues. While the return of G Pekka Rinne after his injury lost season of last year has been the main reason for the Predators success, another key ingredient has been first-year head coach Peter Laviolette.
Excitement Unleashed
The Predators have long been a team that emphasized the back end and strong defensive structure in front of Rinne. Laviolette has changed that with a much more entertaining up-tempo style that has rejuvenated the entire franchise. Nashville began the week with five players that had at least 10 goals on the season led by C Filip Forsberg, who had 14. Rinne rocked a .930 save percentage and his dominance in goal allows the Preds to become more aggressive on offense. Laviolette is taking full advantage of the Preds strong defensive corps by encouraging them to jump into the play on offense knowing that Rinne has their back. It all adds up to one of the most exciting teams in the league and a team that absolutely nobody wants a part of come playoff time.
Blues Back in Tune
The St. Louis Blues were back in the groove with four straight wins to mark the return of number one G Brian Elliott from injury. Elliott had a save percentage of .928 on the season and staked his claim as the undisputed top netminder on the team. Right winger Vladimir Tarasenko remained on a tear with 23 goals on the season and was an eye-popping +23. Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk is finally getting his due as a Norris Trophy candidate as well. Shattenkirk was second on the team in scoring with seven goals and 30 assists. He was also was a +18 despite going up against the best lines in the game each night. The 25-year-old was acquired from Colorado in 2011 and remains a player that the Avs would certainly like to have back.
Jets Descend
The Winnipeg Jets are finally having all of their injuries to their blue line come back to bite them as they lost five out of seven games. While Winnipeg is still in the fifth playoff position in the Western Conference, their lack of offense and defensive depth will be hard to overcome in the long run.
