The Predators have been very good, but simply haven’t been able to score enough goals for Pekka Rinne. They have always needed a pivot, with their defense very strong with Roman Josi and Shea Weber and a few young wings like Filip Forsberg or even veterans like James Neal expected to bolster the Predators for some time, adding a center was a priority. They did just that, acquiring Ryan Johansen from the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Preds are a team with an eye on the short term AND long term future. Can they make the playoffs this year? Can they keep it up next year?
As for the Blue Jackets, they tapped into one of Nashville’s great strengths and picked up a tremendous young defensemen. Johansen, a 4th overall pick, was dealt for a younger 4th overall pick, with Seth Jones going to Columbus. The highly regarded defensive prospect will definitely make waves in Columbus. I daresay, they might be… interesting?
SCOREBOARD
Montreal 2, New Jersey 1 – The Canadiens keep playing fairly well. When fully healthy, I still suspect they are a top 2-3 team in the league. Them and Washington, maybe.
Chicago 3, Pittsburgh 1 – Sidney Crosby was not an All-Star this year, to the shock of the world. No, the All-Star Game is John Scott territory.
Colorado 4, St. Louis 3 (OT) – I keep missing the St. Louis wins. They are currently in third place in the Central, and easily a playoff team out west.
Vancouver 3, Carolina 2 – After Columbus’ trade, the Hurricanes might want to make a move so they can keep the Blue Jackets at bay.
Toronto 4, Anaheim 0 – This is just a clear sign of how bad Anaheim is. Ouch.
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