After 2 Decades in Purgatory, Nashville Predators Are Built to Break Through

The Nashville Predators have been a formidable team for the last two decades since the salary cap in the NHL was introduced in the 2005-06 season. In that time, the Predators have made the playoffs in 15 of 19 seasons, but only one conference finals appearance in which they made it to the Stanley Cup Final.

The Predators also have the 5th most wins in cap era (803) which is most in Western Conference. With all of that regular season success, playoff success hasn't followed. There is a reason why there should be no more patience for mediocrity in Nashville after the team has been stuck in purgatory for the last 19 years.

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Barry Trotz has done a major service for the Predators in managing to bring in former Tampa Bay Lightning captain and two-time Stanley Cup champion Steven Stamkos as well as former Conn Smythe winner and Stanley Cup champion Jonathan Marchessault.

As it is evident the Predators haven't had a difficult time getting into the playoffs, rather winning when the team does make it, both of these players will help in a big way, and for multiple years. Not only are both new additions at forward winners and very experienced, they join the Predators with something to prove after their former teams moved on from them.

The best chance for the Predators to get over the hump and win is now. Elite goalie Juuse Saros is in net without any focus on his next contract anymore. The all-time Predators leader in points and former Norris Trophy winner Roman Josi is still producing at a great pace and dominating. On top of Stamkos and Marchessault, Nashville has a stellar two-way center in Ryan O'Reilly, the franchise leader in goals, Filip Forsberg, a great top line when it comes to chemistry, and lots of depth.

After finishing 11th in the NHL and 6th in the conference last season, the Predators are ready to take the next step and are one of the top picks to win the Stanley Cup in 2025 and beyond.

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