Nashville Predators: Win against Avs shows Predators depth

The Nashville Predators picked up a 4-1 win last night against the Colorado Avalanche. That win showed just how good the Predators depth is.

The Nashville Predators faced off against a familiar Central Division foe last night, the Colorado Avalanche. The Predators and the Avalanche faced off against each other in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, where the Predators won that series 4-2.

The Predators came away with their 12th win in just 15 games, pulling away from the Avalanche late to move to first place in the NHL.

The Avalanche had two goals called back last night, which played a huge effect on the game. Although the Pepsi Center and much of the Avalanche fan base disagreed with both calls, they were the right calls. Both of the goals were called off because of offsides penalties, disallowing goals that would’ve tied this matchup up. The only goal the Avalanche actually scored was controversial as well, as the goal was initially called off due to high sticking.

Just how deep are the Predators?

To get to the point, the Predators won last night’s game because of their depth. All four of the Predators goals were scored by third and fourth line guys.

Colton Sissons, the Avalanche killer, ended up with a hat trick through just two periods last night. Sissons notched two goals in the first period, as well as notching another one right before the end of the second period when he tipped in a Kyle Turris shot.

Sissons tore up the Avalanche last season in the first round as well, posting seven points through six games, which is great to have from a guy who sees a majority of his time on the third and fourth line.

Ryan Hartman, a typical third or fourth line player, ended up scoring the empty netter to push the Predators lead to 4-1, which was assisted by Nick Bonino.

After the JoFA line tore up the NHL through the first 10 games or so, the Predators depth has continued to help them get big victories, including last night’s game. You could also look at the Vegas win last week when the Predators got two goals from Hartman and one goal from Calle Jarnkrok.

Not only is the depth rich through the offensive lines, the Predators defensive units are likely the deepest and most talented units in the NHL. The top four defensemen have been great all season long, and have contributed greatly during this current four-game winning streak, where they have added nine points, including eight assists.

Night in and night out, the Predators get contributions from guys all over the ice. That what has helped them be the best team in the NHL over the last two years. It’s hard to look at another team in the NHL right now that is deep as the Predators.

The Predators don’t even have Austin Watson back yet, as he has to serve three more games of his suspension. It’s crazy to think that the Predators success this season has been without one of their top third or fourth line wingers.

If the Predators are able to get contributions from guys all over the ice, night in and night out, it’s scary to think of the things they can do.