Chicago Blackhawks’ Biggest Playoff Threats In Western Conference

By Aaron Goldschmidt

Mar 9, 2017

Feb 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; General view of the Stanley Cup on display outside Bridgestone Arena as a part of the NHL Centennial Truck Tour prior to the Nashville Predators game against the Florida Panthers.. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 26, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban (76) passes the puck to center Calle Jarnkrok (19) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: Nashville Predators

I’ll be honest here: I picked the Predators to represent the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup at the beginning of this year. I love the addition of P.K. Subban and the momentum they got from pushing the Sharks to seven games last year.

I love how bold David Poile was in making these crazy straight-up trades to fill needs for his team. This guy is definitely not afraid to pull the trigger.

The Preds got off to a really slow start, and some wondered if they would even make the playoffs. But because of emerging superstars like Filip Forsberg and unsung hero Viktor Arvidsson, the Preds are making a huge comeback and could do some damage in the playoffs.

The Preds have historically built their team from the net out, but have recently been upgrading their offense. They have elite defenders and can score at will, which is a dangerous combination. This is a team that could take the Blackhawks to seven games and really make them earn a series. But after last year’s loss, the Preds are looking to be the ones moving on.