Edmonton Oilers Between Two Posts: Nashville Predators

Yesterday in Between Two Posts, we saw how the Edmonton Oilers would match up to the Washington Capitals this coming season. Since we are going in a completely random order, we will be taking a glance at the Nashville Predators today. We have our special guest, Doug, the editor of Predlines, here with us today!

Opposing Team

Nashville Predators

Rival Blog

Predlines

Last Year Recap

The Oilers and the Predators met three times last year and sadly for us, we dropped each decision. The first game was Oct. 29, and we lost 4-1, Taylor Beck providing the game winner. The next game wouldn’t be such a terrible competition, as it was a one goal decision ended by Filip Forsberg‘s game winning goal. Nov. 27 was the same thing, but we lost 1-0 in OT after Forsberg yet again scored the game winner.

It was a tough year for the two teams. The Oilers (as we all painfully know) finished 28th last year and was second to last in the West. The Predators were unstoppable, but once they made the playoffs, they got matched up against the Chicago Blackhawks and were eliminated in the first round. It’s been tough for the Predators to get past some teams when it comes to the playoffs, but that’s Nashville for you. Haha, just kidding.

A Glance at This Year

This year is sure to be interesting. The Oilers have cleaned out front office and now have Todd McLellan. We obviously now have Connor McDavid and one of the most talented offenses in the league, but our defense still struggles (hopefully a trade is coming)? Cam Talbot will be there to take some of the blow for the lack of defense, making sure to give effort each and every game.

The Predators have an experienced, hard-working team, mixed in with developing youngsters who are learning from the vets. It’s a unique roster, with a lot of names. Forsberg’s a big name player with a lot of skill and speed, and I’m so sorry that the Capitals were too smart to keep him. The team also relies on experienced, big names such as Mike Fisher, James Neal and Shea Weber, as well as Pekka Rinne, who will stand on his head for the team.

The Preds aren’t going to be an easy team to compete with, but with a new look Oilers team, they will be ready to take them on.

Players to Watch

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins vs. Forsberg

We chose Ryan Nugent-Hopkins because he, like McDavid, is under a lot of pressure to perform to his fullest potential this year. He led the team in points, and he is a great center who is still developing and has a lot of skill. I believe he has the potential to be a 30-goal guy if he truly works hard to develop. He will have to carry a lot of the load this season and reach his fullest potential if the Oilers want to bounce back, so I’m making him one to watch in this matchup.

Forsberg is my other player to watch. The youngster is still developing in the NHL, but he is a great player who can make highlight reel goals and do anything to help the team. He’s quick, sees the ice well and listens to those around him. He will definitely become one of the best in the NHL with a little work, and with his numbers, it’s hard to believe he’s not older. He can also backcheck and make many players as a winger, but he’s not afraid to shoot the puck either. His numbers reflect that purely.

Who’s Between Two Posts?

For the Oilers, it’s Cam Talbot. He’s never been a starter but he’ll prove a lot, trust me. He is a saving grace and knows how to goaltend, so he will be ready to face whatever team necessary. For the Predators, it’s going to be Rinne. He’s a tough goaltender to beat. Arguably one of the top goalies in the league, he is tall and quick, as well as extremely flexible. He is nearly impossible to score on, but once one puck goes through, it gets easier to score.

Sammi’s Take

Man. The Predators are an interesting team. I write this now thinking of how unique that roster is, and how all of these players are so different from the old Preds team. Remember the days where they relied on Hornqvist and Legwand? Me, too. They’re not going to be an easy competitor, and here’s why.

They have a great offense. Many of them vary; some are developing youngsters, others are vets who have played on top offensive lines for years. They’re going to be doing a lot of shooting, and when the Oilers offense attacks, a great defense will be there to stop them. It’ll be a competitive game, but the Oilers will be able to get past the defense more easily if they become aggressive and play the dump-and-chase game McLellan will teach them. The talent will get the pucks past Rinne.

What we love about Smashville is that their fans are always excited for each and every game and put up with those horrendous jerseys and colors. Mike Fisher is also a truly amazing player, and Rinne is an outstanding netminder who will stand on his head for this team.

What we can’t stand is the various forms of skill on the team. Forsberg, Fisher, Neal, Weber, Rinne. There are a ton of big-name players who are such a unique combination and come from completely different backgrounds. Forsberg was a Capitals star prospect. Fisher was huge in Ottawa. Neal’s been a big name since Dallas and Pittsburgh. Weber’s been there for years, along with Rinne. Everyone’s so different that when they come together, they make a splash. Also your jerseys are just no. Our jersey rating for you is a 2 out of 10. I like the creativity, but the yellow is just so ugly.

Without further ado, the Oilers will smash Smashville, get it? That means we’ll win… *laughs nervously*. Yeah, the Predators aren’t as scary as they look.

Oct. 10 @ Nasvhille- EDM 6 NSH 5 in Overtime

Jan. 23 vs. Nashville- EDM 4 NSH 2

March 14 vs. Nasvhille- EDM 5 NSH 2

It’ll be a tough first game for the Oil, but as the season goes on and players further develop, they will surely win by a bigger ratio. That’s right, Oil will fight with Predators, and we will come out on top. All hail the Orange and Blue.

Guest Predlines Editor Doug’s Take

PredLines Quick Take: The Oilers are definitely going to be fun to watch this year. As I mentioned in our preview, I’m glad they are in the Pacific because I’m worried that they are really on the road to huge improvement in the next couple of years. I really hate that the Preds have to play two in Edmonton at the end of the season, those are tough road trips, it’s WAY too cold up there. I think, like last year that we will have another sweep of the series although the games should be close. I wonder if the Oilers could send us a lesson or two on how to win the lottery….

Roundup

So Doug and I don’t completely agree. We could give them a few lessons on how to win the draft lottery, but it’s useless sending great first-overall picks to a good team to just choke in the first round of the playoffs. Hasn’t really worked out well has it, Preds? Just kidding, there’s love in there somewhere!

Predlines refutes us on their blog, giving us an in-depth look at their thoughts on the Preds vs the Oilers. I suggest you read their take; it’s awesome, just like ours! Click here to see it.

Let’s go Oil!

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