Can the Nashville Predators still win without Ryan Johansen?

Can the Nashville Predators still win without Ryan Johansen?
May 20, 2017, 10:32 AM ET [20 Comments]
HockeyBuzz Hotstove
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In this edition of the hotstove, we discuss whether the Nashville Predators still have a legitimate shot at getting by Anaheim and beating Pittsburgh or Ottawa without Ryan Johansen.

Todd Cordell

It would suck to see a great run end due to injuries but I think the Predators are in trouble.

During the playoffs, Johansen has been a point per game player and the Preds have been downright dominant with him on the ice. At 5v5, they have out-chanced their opponents 121-74 (62%) and outscored them 16-5 (76%). Obviously having elite players on his wing helped but I have a very tough time believing the Preds won't miss a beat with Calle Jarnkrok taking his spot.

Center is arguably the game's most important position and, with Mike Fisher also banged up, we could see something like Jarnkork-Wilson(if he shifts to center)-Sissions-Fiddler vs Getzlaf-Kesler-Vermette-Thompson. I know which side I'd prefer.

The Preds have a great defense and Peter Laviolette is an excellent coach so I won't rule them out completely, however, I don't expect a happy ending for this year's cinderella story.

James Tanner

I think it always sucks to lose your best centre and your top scorer, there's no real way to spin this into a positive. The odds of the Preds winning certainly went down.

But, if there is a silver lining, it's that Nashville's strength is defense and depth of lineup. They aren't reliant on their #1 C as much as some other teams. So it sucks, but it shouldn't be a fatal blow. I mean, Pittsburgh is still here and a Letang injury is a bigger deal to them than an RJ injury is to Nashville - they at least have other NHL centres!!!

And, it's a pretty weak final four. Pittsburgh has the pedigree and everything, but their defense is a joke, Anaheim has hands-down the worst coach in the NHL, the Senators are the weakest team to make it this far in years.......so Nashville can still win the Cup, and, arguably, should still be the favorite.

Peter Tessier

It got a whole lot tougher to do so. What team would not want a best of three with home ice and the opposition's number centre out?

It's an ideal situation for the Ducks and the adversity the Preds need to prove they should be able to take the next step. Isn't that how good narratives go?

Probably but it means little to the Preds who have to make some serious adjustments and find ways to compensate for the loss of Johansen. Levy is going to have to get creative and the game plan will have to reflect that and a little luck is needed too. This should be fun but the pressure is now squarely on the Preds and it won't be easy.