Predators feel restocked, ready to chase Stanley Cup again

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Being swept for the first time in franchise history may be exactly what the Nashville Predators needed.

The Predators saw first-hand the bar set by Colorado on its way to winning the Stanley Cup and took a hard look in the mirror. General manager David Poile traded for defenseman Ryan McDonagh, signed forward Filip Forsberg to an extension and then persuaded Nino Niederreiter to sign with Nashville.

“I think we can take another step,” captain Roman Josi said.

The Predators' eight straight playoff berths is tied with Washington for the second-longest active streak in the NHL. Nashville also ranks second with 15 postseason appearances since 2004.

The Predators were among the NHL's better teams much of last season until the calendar flipped to April, when they went just 6-6-3. They won once over their final nine games, counting the playoff sweep that goaltender Juuse Saros missed because of an injury.

Thanks to all of Poile's changes, Forsberg is more confident. He also noted a lot of players had career years last season and the Predators have to earn it again.

“Our strength has always been working, and I think that’s kind of where we have to start,” Forsberg said.

SAROS' NET

The Predators already had confidence in Saros as a worthy replacement for Pekka Rinne, the franchise's winningest goalie who retired. Saros wound up a Vezina Trophy finalist in his first full season taking over from his fellow Finn.

Saros played 67 games, more than any other goalie. He ranked third in wins with a 38-25-3 record. Now he has Rinne back in an ambassador role for the Predators and also doing some work with the goaltending coaches.

JOSI REPEAT

Josi not only led the Predators and set the single-season scoring