Fansided

5 reasons why Nashville Predators will win Stanley Cup

By Derek Grochowski

NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 11: Catfish are seen on the ice during the playing of the national anthem prior to the start of Game Six of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators at the Bridgestone Arena on June 11, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 11: Catfish are seen on the ice during the playing of the national anthem prior to the start of Game Six of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators at the Bridgestone Arena on June 11, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 11: The Nashville Predators watch the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrate their Stanley Cup victory in Game Six of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the Bridgestone Arena on June 11, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 11: The Nashville Predators watch the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrate their Stanley Cup victory in Game Six of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the Bridgestone Arena on June 11, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

2. Last season’s heartbreak equals success this year

Last year, the Nashville Predators had a great season. They were able to make it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final, but lost in six games. Over the course of their playoff journey, they created one of the greatest atmospheres in the league. Nashville became one of the best hockey cities in the league. Celebrities filled the rink, sang the national anthem and even held catfish. The previous experience of last season will only help Nashville this year.

The Predators dominated the Western Conference last season in the playoffs. They opened the first round with a sweep of the Chicago Blackhawks. Then they moved on to play the St. Louis Blues — after beating the Blues in six games, the Predators moved to the Western Conference finals. No one predicted the Predators would make it that far because they qualified as a wild-card team. Even after the losses of Kevin Fiala and Ryan Johansen, the Predators were able to beat the Anaheim Ducks and advance to the finals.

Even though the Predators did not win the Cup, they gained valuable playoff experience. This year they will not face any new challenges they haven’t seen before. One of the few things that will be different from last year will be helpful for the Predators is home-ice advantage. The Nashville Predators clinched the Presidents’ Trophy, meaning they will have home ice advantage in every round. As the hockey world found out last season, Nashville is one of the best atmospheres in the league. Any extra home games will be a boost for Nashville.

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