This week's issue of Sports Illustrated contains a NHL preview section in which the Nashville Predators are picked to finish 10th in the Western Conference - out of the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. "Horse Hockey", as Colonel Sherman T. Potter was fond of saying.
Essentially SI has Chicago getting in instead of Nashville. The magazine doubts Dan Ellis' ability to carry the load in goal with an inexperienced backup. It also notes the loss of Alexander Radulov and the ongoing injury to Steve Sullivan. However, Radulov wasn't a team player and won't be missed. Sully wasn't part of the team the made an improbably push into the 8th spot last season.
Conversely, Ellis played well in the playoff series against Detroit. It wasn't his fault. The Predators D is young and very talented. We'll be in almost every game this year. Tootoo is a legitimate threat to score in addition to dictating the action. I liked what I saw in the preseason out of the young offensive players that move up this year. The Predators have toughness, defense, scoring ability and are well coached. The fan base is excited and headed in the right direction. They will be very tough to beat in Nashville.
The Predators will be in the playoffs. Sports Illustrated is not showing any deep thinking in picking the Red Wings to win it all again. Wow - way to go out on a limb.
