Yesterday we kicked off the first part of a 4-piece review of the state of the Nashville Predators, by conducting a SWOT Analysis that will set the table for discussions next week as to what the team should do in the near- and long-term.
Today, we turn our attention to the weaknesses of the team - yes, when the Preds lose a few games in a row, opinions on this topic are wide and varied, so fire up your keyboard and follow along here.
Once again, to review...
What is SWOT Analysis?
SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Oppportunities, Threats) is a common tool used in the business world to assess an operating group and the environment within which it operates, in order to determine what steps are needed to help that organization achieve its goals. Just as one applies this tool to a factory or a sales force, it can be used with a hockey team as well.
Weaknesses
Today's discussion is intended to come up with a list of the Nashville Predators' weaknesses as an NHL organization, characteristics of the team itself that hold it back from achieving the goal which was set out at the start of this:
"The goal of the Nashville Predators is to consistently qualify for the playoffs, and contend for the Stanley Cup championship."
So again, I'll toss a couple points out here to get things started, but I'd like you to fill out this list in the comments below. What weaknesses would you say apply to the Nashville Predators as an organization?
- Budget - the current ownership group has a limited ability to absorb financial losses, and along with the constraints of the NHL revenue sharing system, that dictates a salary structure that runs $10-12 million lower than cap-max teams.
- Power play - A consistent theme of recent Predators teams has been that regardless of changing personnel or schemes, the power play has ranked among the NHL's worst.
So what other tangible weaknesses of the Preds would you add here? Sound off in the comments below, and keep them focused on the organization (not, Player X sucks...).