It seems like the Nashville Predators begin every season with mostly doubters, and 2011 has been no different for a team that is one of the youngest in the NHL.
The Predators have always managed to have success despite the lack of star power on their roster, but they may have caught lightning in a bottle with rookie Craig Smith.
Smith has surged ahead for seven goals and seven assists in the first 15 NHL games of his career, which leads all rookies right now.
He's been a key component for why the Predators are tied for the 13th in goals per game instead of near the bottom of the list where they usually are.
The Predators finally got over the hump last season by getting past the first round of the playoffs. Now the franchise is looking to make a run at the Stanley Cup with a crop of raw talent helping the still defensive-minded Predators.
A Barry Trotz-coached team will never be a team that is necessarily the most exciting brand of hockey to watch, but with goalie Pekka Rinne and key defensemen Ryan Suter and Shea Weber, this team might finally be constructed to go all the way.
What may have been the one missing ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Chad Minton
Craig Smith Could Take Nashville Predators to New Heights
November 11th, 2011 by Chad Minton Leave a reply »
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