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Predators Preview Capsule

NASHVILLE PREDATORS

LAST SEASON: 47-25-10, 104 points. Second Central Division. Lost to Chicago Blackhawks in Eastern Conference quarterfinals.

COACH: Peter Laviolette (second season, 436-307-25 over 13 NHL seasons).

ADDED: D Barret Jackman, RW Cody Hodgson.

LOST: C Matt Cullen, D Cody Franson, F Mike Santorelli.

PLAYER TO WATCH: RW Filip Forsberg. The Swede played every game of his first full NHL season and scored a franchise-rookie record 63 points with 26 goals and 37 assists. He became the fifth youngest player in NHL history to lead a playoff-bound team in scoring. Can he match, or better, last season?

OUTLOOK: The Predators believe they were so close to beating the eventual Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks last spring with eight players making their postseason debuts, and now they think they are even better positioned for a title run in their second season with Laviolette's system with Jackman bringing his defensive skills to Nashville. They will have a chance to finish strong with eight of their final 12 games on home ice.

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