We all probably remember the amazing run the 2019 St. Louis Blues went on from the bottom of the standings all the way to Stanley Cup Champions. Well, it isn't often that a team is hovering lower in the standings and then go on a very exciting second-half run, get into the playoffs, and do some damage. After five years, we may have found the next team that can pull that off, and it's the Nashville Predators.
There are a lot of similarities between the '19 Blues and the Predators this season, starting with one of the most impactful players on the team, Ryan O'Reilly. He helped lead the Blues to the amazing comeback story from dead last in the NHL on Jan. 2 to not only making the playoffs, but winning the Stanley Cup. Comparatively, the Predators were second-last in the league this season on Nov. 17 with a record of just 5-10-0. The team is now 38-25-4 and firmly in the first wildcard spot in the West.
Interestingly enough, both had new voices behind the bench to turn the seasons around. The Blues had missed the playoffs the previous season and the Predators missed the playoffs last season. When Craig Berube took over partway through the season, the Blues went on a major second-half run with a record of 30-10-5 in the final 45 games of the season, giving them a points percentage of 72%.
The Predators' run started a bit sooner, but head coach Andrew Brunette took over at the start of the season. This team that was counted out well before the trade deadline has gone 33-15-4 in their last 52 games for a points percentage of 67%. Both required a long grind back from the depths of the league to be contenders.
As I mentioned, both of these teams missed the playoffs the year prior to these amazing runs. But what had to be in the back of some of their minds is the fact that both teams made the playoffs in 6+ consecutive seasons before missing. There was an expectation for the Blues and even though it isn't as large, there is an expectation for the Predators this season as well.
The '19 Blues and the '24 Predators have some very skilled players, but are limited in superstars. This didn't hold back the success of the team as both played strong systems. It took a while for the system to sink in this season for the Predators, but now that everyone is bought in and comfortable, they are riding a 13-game point streak (11-0-2).
In 2019, the Blues finished the season with two players recording at least 60 points and five recording at least 40 points. Similarly, the Predators will likely only have five players record 40 or more points, but have four of them reach the 60-point mark. There were players recording over 100 points in 2019 and multiple players already hitting 100 points this season.
Without superstars like that who can hit 100 points and win games by outscoring opponents on a regular basis, the team game comes greatly into effect, but so does goaltending. Not only has Juuse Saros completely found his game this season and helped with the resurgence of the Predators, Jordan Binnington exploded into the NHL in 2019 for the Blues and helped lead them on their run. Goaltending is so important in the playoffs as games get tighter and harder to play. As Binnington was the rock in net, Saros easily has the capabilities to be that for the Predators.
Just like everyone counted out the Blues, the Predators have been counted out all season despite their impressive run. I wouldn't want to meet the Predators in the first round this season. They could just as easily go on a deep run as anyone and have hit their stride at the right time.
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