Despite the mantra that team results are the only things that truly matter, there is a bit of pride to be had in leading your hockey team in scoring. Late in the season when each game takes on added meaning and victory hangs in the balance, it’s the leading scorer who teammates and fans look to when a key goal is needed.
In the shortened 2013 season, Shea Weber led the Nashville Predators with 28 points (nine goals, 19 assists) in 48 games, following Martin Erat, Sergei Kostitsyn, and Patric Hornqvist from the previous three seasons.
But who are the contenders to lead the charge this season for the Preds? Let’s review a few of the likely candidates, vote in the poll, debate in the comments below…
Pro: Could play a major offensive role at even strength and on the power play and is hailed as a savvy passer. Con: Has never recorded 50 points in a season, why will he start at age 37? Then again, maybe 49 will be enough.
Pro: Will lead a top EV line and is a featured sniper on the PP. Con: His physical style means he either misses games or plays through injuries often.
Pro: Fires a boatload of shots on net, if he gets hot could score 35+ goals. Con: Injury-prone and doesn’t record many assists.
Pro: Will apparently play a larger role than he’s ever had before, providing greater opportunity to rack up numbers. Con: He’s not playing with the high-flying Blackhawks any more and doesn’t have guys like Patrick Kane to draw the attention of opposing defensemen.
Pro: Logs a tremendous amount of ice time in all situations and is the main weapon on the power play. Con: None, really. He should be right in the mix.
Pro: Has put up stellar Corsi-related results for years, was leading the way last season until he got hurt, and is finally earning the trust of Barry Trotz. Con: Hasn’t racked up points over an extended period, and he won’t score on 26.9% of his shots again.
The Bovada sportsbook today released its list of Over/Under regular season point totals for leading players on each NHL team, and when you get to the Predators, they are projected to have the lowest-scoring leaders in the entire league. #griterdun
More from On the Forecheck:
- Nashville Predators Training Camp: How Waiver Eligibility Could Impact Roster Decisions
- Thursday’s Dump & Chase: Prepare for Pekka’s Pre-Season Premiere
- How Will Barry Trotz Handle Nashville’s Bounty of Centers?
- Wednesday’s Dump & Chase: Preds Hosting Public Skate Tonight
- What the Game of Hockey is Really All About: “All That Counts”, Reviewed/
Who will lead the Nashville Predators in scoring this season?
| Matt Cullen | 11 |
| Mike Fisher | 4 |
| Patric Hornqvist | 20 |
| Viktor Stalberg | 29 |
| Shea Weber | 17 |
| Colin Wilson | 92 |
| other | 15 |