Predicting when every NHL team will win its next Stanley Cup

Nashville Predators

The Music City made its first appearance in the Stanley Cup Final in 2017, and the expectations are higher than ever for the Nashville Predators to succeed.

A devasting Game 6 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins during the Final still stings the Preds and their loyal fan base, and losing in the second round of the playoffs this past season to the Winnipeg Jets is only feeding Nashville’s competitive mentality that much more.

It’s now or never for the Predators, and the old saying that “defense wins championships” stands true for the 2018 Presidents’ Trophy winners.

It would be hard to imagine Nashville winning a Stanley Cup and not having Pekka Rinne between the pipes; and it appears that the Finnish native may retire after this season or the next. That’s a key factor and bigger motivation for the Nashville Predators to win the Stanley Cup this season.

Nashville had to fail in order to succeed, and that also includes the likes of Norris Trophy winner (2012-13) P.K. Subban. The dynamic and electrifying defenseman was destined to win the Stanley Cup at some point in his career, and that honor is right around the corner.

A combination of Subban being in his prime in addition to Roman Josi and Ryan Ellias forms a potential dynasty for the Predators. Nashville also has the necessary depth, veteran presence and scoring production to outmatch any opponent and in the Eastern Conference – come the Final.

Alex Ovehckin and Washington had their way this past season, and now it’s time for Subban and the Preds to have theirs in 2019.