Singing a Different Tune

As you know, the NHL owners have locked out the players in what is the third such labor stoppage in the last 20 years.  However, this blog will continue the 2012-13 NHL season preview as planned.  I devote a month of this blog to actually doing something, and it is not about to end now.  Now that we're clear on the state of this blog this month, let's get to the next team.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS

2011-12 record: 48-26-8 (104 points)
Lost to Phoenix in the Conference semi-finals
Captain: Shea Weber

The Predators will certainly look different this year, as they lost the sandpaper in Jordin Tootoo, a large backup goalie in Anders Lindback, a talented, but enigmatic Alexander Radulov, and one half of their shutdown pair in Ryan Suter.  At least there's still Pekka Rinne and Shea Weber.  The Predators are a team with an identity and as long as both are still around (which will be at least another seven years), the Predators are still a playoff contender.  There are a bunch of other defensemen that are looking to establish themselves, and with Suter gone, this is their best opportunity yet. Offense is by-committee, and Patric Hornqvist is the best option of that group.  Mike Fisher and Martin Erat also lead the charge in this department, but look for Gabriel Bourque to emerge as a new option.

Prediction: 6th in the West

Band: Widow

The Raleigh, NC band has a habit of surprising with fairly straightforward traditional power metal that just works.  Nashville has had the same system since their inaugural season, and it is not about to change...and that's a good thing.