I think this year could be another good one for the Nashville Predators (100 points+).

They got:
-got rid of Jason Arnott
-named Shea freaking Weber captain
-signed Matthew Lombardi as their top centre (big fan of that signing)
-got a young defenceman for free in Ryan Parent (through the Dan Hamhuis trade)
-if they figure out S.Kostitsyn's drama, he could be quite good.

But paper and reality are two different things, right Glen Sather (GM of the Rangers)?

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Revenge is sweet... Revenge is best served cold... Revenge is ice cream.

If it weren't for that late collapse in game 2 vs the 'Hawks, I sincerely believe they would have won that series. I've liked Nashville for the last few years, I think they're ready to make some noise...

And even on paper, the Rangers still suck...

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"Let's just trap Sekera in the caverns underneath HSBC arena." -BlueandYellow

Reporter: "Steve, you guys now lead the league in defensive scoring."
Montador: "It's probably because of how good-looking we are."

Don't forget Pekka Rinne, who I feel has proved he's more than a one year wonder. Hornquivst is also a plus if he can get (or come close to) 30 goals again. Those points and the reemergence of one Steve Sullivan really help the idea that they might get past the first round, which, of course, is their major issue. Unfortunately, like you said, paper is different than reality. They also play in a competitive division. Really, before the season starts, it's a wait-and-see situation for all 30 teams.

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Rest in Peace Nani. 10/3/10

Gerbacity



"Grier coming in over the line. He leaves it to Gaustad. The shot. THEY SCOOOREE!! RING UP ANOTHER ONE FOR THE GOOSE!!! HONK IF YA HEAR THE GOOSE!! 3-0 BUFFALO!"

I don't think it's a reach to say they'll challenge for first in the Central.

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"Let's just trap Sekera in the caverns underneath HSBC arena." -BlueandYellow

Reporter: "Steve, you guys now lead the league in defensive scoring."
Montador: "It's probably because of how good-looking we are."

The Preds have been on the rise for the past six years.

I'll hold my breath until they actually win a playoff series.

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Girgensons for captain. Team Keep Nick DesLauriers forever.

@TJLuckman550

You're probably not far off. They've had 100+ point seasons, Chicago blew their roster up (out of necessity), Detroit was up-and-down last year. It's a possibility. I don't know how likely, but anything's possible. The Sabres weren't supposed to win the division last year. Vanek_Fanatic brings up a good point though, and I mentioned it. They have yet to win a damn playoff series.

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Rest in Peace Nani. 10/3/10

Gerbacity



"Grier coming in over the line. He leaves it to Gaustad. The shot. THEY SCOOOREE!! RING UP ANOTHER ONE FOR THE GOOSE!!! HONK IF YA HEAR THE GOOSE!! 3-0 BUFFALO!"

Too bad they can't spend to the cap, if they did, they would be a heavyweight contender.

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Revenge is sweet... Revenge is best served cold... Revenge is ice cream.

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Proud LGBTQQ Individual

Nashville will win their division this year. They're pretty freaking good

And Shea Weber is the man

Spent a lot of time with my cousin who lives in Nashville over the last couple days. He was telling me that the Preds are actually generating a little buzz. Just a little, and dwarfed by college football, but still more interest than he's seen since he's lived there.