How much will having arguably the worst 1C in the Western Conference hurt the Predators?

[MMC]

I was thinking about it today, and I realized every playoff team in the Western Conference has a better center than anyone on Nashville. I would take all of Karlsson (this year at least), Pavelski, Getzlaf, Kopitar, Staal, MacKinnon, and Schiefele over Johansen. Will this be a problem for the Predators?

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[ijuka]

Not a whole lot because 1C is perhaps the most overrated position in hockey and they can compensate for it quite well in other areas. Most notably the D, which I consider significantly more important than C overall.

 

[Vancouver Canucks]

Will hurt them as much as the losses they have had during this season.

 

[VanIsle]

They probably have the #1 d corps overall so they should be just fine.

 

[Crow]

Yeah, it’s not their strength. They likely more than make up for it in quality of defensemen.

 

[Oilers Propagandist]

They did alright last season coming in as the last wild card and unarguably showed that they can score by committee to mitigate Johanson's (sp?) lack of scoring and become the class of the league. They are 7th in scoring, with probably the best d in the league and a remarkable season from Rinne. These guys are cup favourites and their play showed that. go preds goo.

 

[CorgisPer60]

I was thinking about it today, and I realized every playoff team in the Western Conference has a better center than anyone on Nashville. I would take all of Karlsson (this year at least), Pavelski, Getzlaf, Kopitar, Staal, MacKinnon, and Schiefele over Johansen. Will this be a problem for the Predators?

It hasn't been a problem for literally all season.

 

[PensandCaps]

This is why they'll lose to Colorado. They can't matchup with Mack.

 

[NeedleInTheHay]

It will be a big problem. They’re likely to go down in the second round.

 

[Gnashville]

We are so screwed!!! Turris was the #1 center on a conference finalist last year and Johansen was the #1 on another conference finalist last year, if only they showed up in the playoffs.

 

[Maplebeasts]

It won't hurt them. D-corps is too stacked and Rinne/Saros between them will make sure that the goal tending is not an issue.

 

[JimmyTwoTimes]

Made it to the finals last year... added Turris and Bonino this year.

Theyre fine.

 

[ThirdManIn]

This is why they'll lose to Colorado. They can't matchup with Mack.

Didn't seem to be a problem literally all season. I guess this is when I'm told "playoffs are different" but I'm given no actual reason for why it'll be different.

 

[VoluntaryDom]

Won't matter until SCF

 

[jumb0]

I was thinking about it today, and I realized every playoff team in the Western Conference has a better center than anyone on Nashville. I would take all of Karlsson (this year at least), Pavelski, Getzlaf, Kopitar, Staal, MacKinnon, and Schiefele over Johansen. Will this be a problem for the Predators?

We eliminated you last year with Mike Fisher, Calle Jarnkrok, Colton Sissons and Freddy Gaudreu.

 

[ChiHawks10]

I was thinking about it today, and I realized every playoff team in the Western Conference has a better center than anyone on Nashville. I would take all of Karlsson (this year at least), Pavelski, Getzlaf, Kopitar, Staal, MacKinnon, and Schiefele over Johansen. Will this be a problem for the Predators?

 

[TitansVolsPreds615]

Johansen ate Toews' lunch in the playoffs last year and was a monster against the Blues as well before getting hurt in the Ducks series. He has been on fire the last few weeks, it's definitely an effort thing from 92 but he comes to play in the postseason.

 

[Montreal Shadow]

To be fair to the OP, when was the last time a cup winner did not have a top-tier 1C?

 

[illpucks]

At least they have a 1C this year

 

[Canada4Gold]

I'd probably take Johansen over Karlsson and Staal, even with their amazing years, and Turris is up there for being the best 2C in the conference(behind Carter, close with Couture, and Kelser). When that's your weakness then you're pretty good. Their defence is insane. Rinne has been great but I'm not sure I still trust him TBH.

If they lose it won't be because Johansen isn't good enough

 

[Zenos]

Not much to be honest. They might not have the same top-end as some of the other teams (and even that I'm not sure about), but their centre depth (as well as in other areas), should more than cover for any deficiency.

 

[Gabe Kupari]

Ill say it... I think this series has upset written all over it.

 

[jumb0]

Rinne has been great but I'm not sure I still trust him TBH.

Just curious, but what has he shown/not shown you that would make you feel this way?

 

[TitansVolsPreds615]

Just curious, but what has he shown/not shown you that would make you feel this way?

I'm guessing the Finals last year because nothing this season suggests Pekka is anything other than locked in.

 

[Filthy Dangles]

RyJoe is an absolute stud in the playoffs.

Even if he's not scoring, he's not gonna hurt you being on the ice matched up against your Getzlafs, Kopitars. The JOFA line is very good in it's own end.

They're fine.