The new-look Preds

[Pokecheque]

Boy, I did not realize how extensively Nashville overhauled its roster. Adding Ribeiro, Neal, Olli the Waffle Man, Derek Roy, and Anton Volchenkov. This team looks nothing like the one that took the ice in October 2013.

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Strange they made such an extensive change since about 90% of Nashville's problems last year stemmed from their supreme lack of competent goaltending. Getting Pekka back late last season led to a last-minute surge.

It's still a tough division (and I'm just counting STL/CHI/MIN at this point) but its possible this squad may vie for a playoff spot.

[scratchham]

They made a big change because Trotz and Laviolette are a lot different styles of coaches more than anything, but also because of Fisher's injury and Legwand's departure they needed to shop the UFA bargain bin for centres.

[Pokecheque]

And man-o-man, as if it won't be painful enough having Matt Cooke and the Wylde in the division, the Avs have to put up with Ribeiro and Neal, who are currently linemates.

[Bosc]

Nice hit by Ellis on Taylor Hall.

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[E.L.]

Look out, y'all, the new-look Preds are in first.

Outshot the Blues 47-28 in a 3-2 win at home.

Rinne's the best goalie in the league. Weber and Josi form an impressive 1-2 defence pairing (soaking up 26 minutes a night apiece). Filip Forsberg might be the flashy offensive player they've been looking for all these years. Ribs is keeping his stick on the ice.

[E.L.]

Still in first, with reinforcements on the way and Rinne looking healthy again.

[E.L.]

New look Preds are limping to the finish line.

On the plus side, Roman Josi is now a Norris-quality defenceman, Wilson and Smith are 20 goal men and they have a future star in Filip Forsberg. And Rinne, of course.

Considering where they were last year, the Preds have a bright future.