The 2024-25 NHL season begins on October 4th at the O2 Arena in Prague, Czechia. The North America slate starts on October 8th with a triple header on ESPN. Below is my 2024-25 NHL Western Conference Spotlight Team.
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Nashville Predators | 2023-24 record: 47-30-5, 99 points
Nashville Predators 2024-25 Season Point total 98.5 (Over -120)
Andrew Brunette will enter his second season as head coach, providing continuity and allowing players to be more comfortable in his up-tempo system. The Predators made significant free-agent signings this offseason, adding Steven Stamkos from Tampa Bay and Jonathan Marchessault from Vegas. Both players scored over 40 goals last season. They are expected to provide an immediate offensive boost to an already stacked forward group, which includes Filip Forsberg (94 points in 82 games), Gustav Nyquist (75 points in 81 games), Ryan O’Reilly (69 points in 82 games), and Thomas Novak (45 points in 71 games).
The Predators' top line, consisting of Filip Forsberg, Ryan O'Reilly, and Gustav Nyquist, was already a formidable force last season, combining for an impressive 97 goals and 238 points. With the addition of Stamkos and Marchessault, the team's offensive depth has significantly improved, potentially leading to even more scoring opportunities and points in the standings. Nashville is loaded and could challenge for the Central Division Title this season.
Juuse Saros has a career goals-against average of 2.63 and a .917 save percentage in 333 starts. He is a top-10 goalie in this league and will benefit from a loaded offense in front of him. Adding Brady Skjei strengthens the blue line and should help reduce shots against Saros. He joins Roman Josi, who was arguably the best-scoring defenseman, tallying 85 points in 82 games last season. After finishing fifth in Vezina Trophy voting last season, Saros is poised for another strong campaign. His consistency and ability to handle a heavy workload provide a stable foundation for the team's success. He has started at least 64 games in each of the last three seasons. The team signed Scott Wedgewood, who started 28 games for the Dallas Stars last season. Keeping Saros fresh will certainly help come Playoff time. The Predators still have Ryan McDonagh, which adds depth to the blue line.
Nashville ranked 23rd in shots against with a +134 shot differential and +18 goal differential in 2023-24. They struggled on special teams, ranking 16th in power play percentage and 23rd on the penalty kill. The Predators were right at the league average in face-off win percentage. Despite those flaws, the team has made the playoffs in four of the last five seasons and is expected to significantly improve in these crucial areas in 2024-25.
The Predators had a rough start last season, losing three of their first four games and ending October with a 4-5-0 record. With new acquisitions adding firepower and experience to their already talented core, the Nashville Predators are in a solid position to surpass the 98.5-point mark in the 2024-25 season.
Jeff’s Selection: Nashville Predators Over 98.5 points (-125) | Mybookie.ag
Jeff’s Prediction: 50-25-7 | 107 points | 4th seed in the West
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