The Nashville Predators entered the season with high hopes after acquiring two 40-goal scorers, Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, and defenseman Brady Skjei. Instead, they are sitting at the bottom of the league standings. Their 2-9-2 record paints a picture of a team that has underperformed both offensively and defensively, falling far short of expectations.

Marchessault, who recorded 69 points last season, has been nearly invisible. He has yet to register a single 5-on-5 point in 16 games, marking a concerning decline. His shooting trends have drastically changed. Only 39 percent of his shot attempts this season have come from the slot, down from nearly 50 percent last year, during which he netted 28 goals from close range.

Stamkos’ performance is similarly concerning. His decline in 5-on-5 play—already evident in his later years in Tampa Bay—has continued to worsen. The Predators generate only 45 percent of expected goals during his ice time, an even lower mark than his results with Tampa Bay. His individual scoring chances per game at 5-on-5 rank in the bottom half of forwards with regular ice time. While most of his production has shifted to the power play, where he has contributed three one-timer goals, this success means little without improvement at even strength.

Initially, Head Coach Andrew Brunette paired Stamkos and Marchessault together, but the combination failed. Nashville controlled only 36.9 percent of expected goals when the duo shared the ice. Both players have since been reassigned, with Stamkos now skating on the top line alongside Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly, while Marchessault has dropped to the second line with Colton Sissons and Gustav Nyquist. Neither change has sparked much improvement.

Defense Weakens with Skjei’s Struggles

Brady Skjei was expected to bring the defensive stability he exhibited with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he logged over 21 minutes per game across four seasons. However, he has been a defensive liability. The Predators have been outscored 19-8 during his 5-on-5 minutes, and his expected goals percentage has fallen to 37.2 percent—a sharp drop from the 52.5 percent he achieved last season in Carolina. A surge in turnovers has compounded the problem. Skjei’s turnover rate of 17.8 percent places him among the 20 worst defenders in the league with ample ice time.

These defensive woes mirror issues across the team. Nashville ranks near the bottom of the league in 5-on-5 performance, both offensively and defensively. Their drop in shot quality—from 11th to 31st in expected goals per game—signals that the problems are systemic. The inability to convert offensive opportunities and the frequency of defensive breakdowns highlight the need for comprehensive changes across all lines.

Betting on Nashville’s Turnaround: A Measured Risk

The Predators’ slow start has led fans to question their potential as playoff contenders. Currently, Nashville is slated at +155 to make the 2024 NHL playoffs on DraftKings Sportsbook, which indicates a belief that the Predators can still make it to the dance. For observers closely monitoring the team, assessing the odds of a turnaround is tricky. Given the struggles of Stamkos and Marchessault in 5-on-5 play, optimism for their offensive adjustments paying off soon seems unwarranted. Bettors might instead focus on matchups against struggling teams, where results could prove less lopsided.

Another option could involve betting on individual performances. For instance, Stamkos’ contributions on the power play remain a rare highlight. Tracking power-play trends and his efficiency in those situations could guide more targeted wagers. Similarly, Marchessault’s historical ability to find scoring lanes makes him a potential candidate for future success if the Predators can adjust their offensive schemes. Although the Predators’ playoff hopes appear to be fading, recognizing patterns in player performance can still yield opportunities.

For fans looking at long-term outcomes, the odds reflect the reality of Nashville’s situation. The team’s consistency in underperforming key metrics like expected goals and turnovers further diminishes their postseason prospects unless drastic improvements occur soon.

Bleak Playoff Odds Without Immediate Turnaround

Barry Trotz, the general manager, has acknowledged the team’s issues. “Our team hasn’t played well. I’m not shying away from that,” he said recently. Trotz’s candid assessment underscores the extent of the problems. Coach Brunette echoed these concerns, describing disorganized on-ice efforts as a major obstacle. Players, he noted, appear “out of sync.”

The timing of Nashville’s struggles only compounds their challenge. Historically, only about 23 percent of teams outside a playoff position by American Thanksgiving manage to secure postseason berths. That statistic highlights the urgency of their situation. If Stamkos, Marchessault, and Skjei cannot rediscover their form in the coming weeks, Nashville may have to accept that their offseason moves fell short and reassess their strategy.

For the Predators to salvage their season, internal adjustments are critical. Revamping line combinations, enhancing defensive coverage, and increasing accountability on the ice could help stabilize their performance. Additionally, capitalizing on upcoming matchups against underperforming teams might provide much-needed momentum. However, with every passing game, the window for recovery narrows, and the team risks falling irreparably behind in the standings.

Conclusion

The Nashville Predators’ offseason acquisitions of Stamkos, Marchessault, and Skjei were expected to bolster the team’s chances, but their disappointing performances have left the team struggling in every aspect of the game. While power-play contributions from Stamkos offer a glimmer of hope, the lack of 5-on-5 production and defensive shortcomings from Skjei have compounded the Predators’ woes. With systemic issues plaguing their lineup and their playoff odds dwindling, Nashville faces a steep uphill battle.

To turn things around, the Predators must prioritize tactical adjustments, improve team cohesion, and reignite the fire in their high-profile acquisitions. Without immediate changes, the team risks wasting another season of Forsberg’s prime and losing the trust of their fanbase. Whether they can recover in time to salvage their season remains uncertain, but the need for urgent and effective action has never been clearer.