Predators Nation

Lore & Background

The Predators advanced to their first ever Conference Final with a 4–2 series win over the St. Louis Blues in the Semifinals, and then advanced to their first-ever Stanley Cup Final after defeating the Anaheim Ducks in six games. They became the third team to make the Stanley Cup Final from the eighth seed since the Edmonton Oilers in 2006 and the Los Angeles Kings in 2012.

Reader's Guide

The season summary covers October through December, including a 3–2 opening win over the Blackhawks, a five-game road trip, and notable games such as a 5–0 shutout of the Ducks and a 6–3 comeback win over the Blues.

Historic Playoff Run

The 2016–17 campaign marked a monumental turning point for the Nashville franchise, established in 1997. In their nineteenth season of existence, the team achieved an unprecedented feat by advancing to their first-ever Stanley Cup Final. This journey began with a decisive four-game-to-two series victory over the St. Louis Blues in the Conference Semifinals. Following that triumph, they defeated the Anaheim Ducks in six games to secure their place in the championship round.

Their ascent was particularly remarkable because they entered the playoffs as the eighth seed, becoming only the third team in NHL history to reach the Final from that position, joining the 2006 Edmonton Oilers and 2012 Los Angeles Kings. This run also held significant regional importance; it was the first time a Tennessee-based professional sports franchise had reached a championship round since the NFL's Titans did so in 1999, cementing a new era of success for hockey in the state.

Regular Season Turbulence

The regular season proved to be a volatile mix of high-powered offense and frustrating collapses. The team opened with promise, securing a victory against the Blackhawks where newly acquired defenseman P.K. Subban scored his first goal. However, inconsistency plagued their October schedule, highlighted by a disastrous road trip where they surrendered five goals in a single period against the Ducks, a rare defensive breakdown for the franchise. Health crises also tested their depth; during a home game against Pittsburgh, starting goaltender Pekka Rinne and several key skaters fell ill with food poisoning, forcing backup Juuse Saros into his first start of the year. Despite these setbacks, including losses to Detroit, Los Angeles, and San Jose, the team showed resilience by ending November on a high note with a shutout victory over Anaheim and a five-goal explosion against Colorado.

Key Player Performances

Individual brilliance often dictated the flow of games throughout the season, with several players stepping up during critical moments. P.K. Subban made an immediate impact in his debut, scoring early to help secure a win against Chicago. Captain Mike Fisher demonstrated leadership by tallying power-play goals and contributing significantly during tight contests, including a crucial performance while battling illness alongside teammates. James Neal emerged as a consistent offensive threat, setting a career-high with six consecutive games featuring at least one goal and tying the franchise record for such a streak. Goaltending saw a rotation between Pekka Rinne, who delivered 27 saves in a shutout against Anaheim, and Marek Mazanec, who struggled in relief appearances but provided necessary depth when Rinne was sidelined with injury or illness.

Strategic Shifts and Resilience

The Predators displayed remarkable adaptability in the face of adversity, often overcoming significant deficits to secure victories. In October, they erased a three-goal hole against Chicago within minutes of the third period, though ultimately falling short. Their ability to capitalize on special teams was evident early on, as they led the league with eight power-play goals by late October. However, discipline remained an issue at times; a home game against Philadelphia saw them surrender two power-play goals after previously killing 27 of 28 opportunities. The team also showed grit in road environments, bouncing back from heavy losses in Toronto and Winnipeg to secure wins elsewhere. This resilience was crucial as they navigated a grueling schedule that included multiple five-game road trips and close shootout battles against division rivals like the St. Louis Blues and Dallas Stars.