 The Nashville Predators experienced much adversity last season, yet despite all of the struggles, Nashville stayed in the playoff race down to the last few days of the regular season. This was largely due in part to the emergence of goaltender Pekka Rinne and Steve Sullivan's return from a multi-year back injury. The Predators had a quiet offseason for the first time in years; a mixed blessing in that, for the first time in years, there were none of the usual rumors that the team was going to leave Nashville, but they were badly in need of some scoring and did not make any moves to strengthen their attack. The Predators also lost a number of veterans and are seemingly planning to fill those voids with younger personnel. Nashville could use some offense. While Sullivan is an asset on the wing and can score a lot of goals, he's 35 and has had recent back troubles. J.P. Dumont is the Predators' best playmaker, while line mate Jason Arnott scored 33 goals in only 65 games last season, so there is some promising top talent in house. However, behind those three, Nashville is left to be rather thin up front and could use some additional offensive firepower. The good news for Nashville is that they have a really good group of defensemen. With 23 goals and 53 points, Shea Webber is absolutely one of the top two-way defenders in the NHL. In addition to Weber, young stars Ryan Suter and Dan Hamhuis are both extremely talented, and along with Kevin Klein and savvy veteran Greg De Vries, they all give Nashville one of the best defensive corps in the league. While some have said that the Predators have trouble with bringing in offensive talent, they sure know how to draft for the defensive end of the rink. Following his breakout campaign in goal, the Predators are hoping that their "goalie of the future", Pekka Rinne, can remotely replicate his 2008-09 performance. If so, and if Dan Ellis can provide solid backup in the net, then Nashville could be a big surprise to many. If Nashville can develop some forwards like they do young defensemen, then this team has the talent to become a Stanley Cup contender. After falling just short of the playoffs for the first time in five seasons last year, can the Predators get back to the postseason in 2009-2010? They sure can, so make sure to get Nashville Predators tickets today and come to the Sommet Center to cheer the Predators to victory.
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