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Slumping Predators need better consistency, scoring depth

Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban, center, celebrates with teammates Ryan Johansen, left, and Filip Forsberg after Subban scored against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period of Tuesday night's game in Nashville. Detroit won 3-2, handing the Predators their third straight loss. Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban, center, celebrates with teammates Ryan Johansen, left, and Filip Forsberg after Subban scored against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period of Tuesday night's game in Nashville. Detroit won 3-2, handing the Predators their third straight loss.

By Associated Press February 13, 2019 4 min read

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard, center, covers the puck during the third period of his team’s 3-2 win Tuesday night against the Predators in Nashville.

NASHVILLE – The Nashville Predators’ sizzling 13-3 start to this NHL season is a distant memory.

The 2018 Presidents Trophy winners with last season’s best regular-season record, they have lost three straight games overall and seven of their past 11 on their home ice at Bridgestone Arena, popularly known as Smashville.

Part of their problem is only their top line is scoring with any regularity.

It’s enough to possibly force general manager David Poile into another big move before the NHL’s trade deadline on Feb. 25. Nashville fans are lighting up social media, wanting something to change to snap the Predators out of struggles that have dropped them to eighth overall in the league standings. After winning the Central Division a year ago, Nashville is second with 71 points – four behind the Winnipeg Jets, who eliminated the Predators in the second round of last years playoffs.

Veteran goalie Pekka Rinne remains optimistic about the Predators’ potential.