Blue Jackets at Predators
The Columbus Blue Jackets begin a new era on Saturday when they visit the Central Division-rival Nashville Predators for the season opener for both teams. Columbus will take to the ice without Rick Nash for the first time since 2002, as the former first overall draft pick and team captain had his trade request answered over the summer when he was dealt to the New York Rangers. The Blue Jackets also start the season with a new president of hockey operations in John Davidson, who has the daunting task of turning a club with one playoff appearance in its 11-season history into a contender.
Nashville also enters the abbreviated campaign without a former mainstay as defenseman Ryan Suter left after seven seasons and signed a 13-year, $98 million contract with the Minnesota Wild. The world nearly caved in on the Predators as captain Shea Weber inked a 14-year, $110 million offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers. The club, however, decided it couldn't lose both of its stud defensemen and matched the offer.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Columbus), FSN Tennessee (Nashville)
ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (2011-12: 29-46-7, 5th Central Division): One has to wonder how Columbus will fare without Nash when it finished last in the league with him in the lineup last season. Even with his 30 goals, the club was 28th in scoring. It is hoping the additions of Nick Foligno, Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov will help. The Blue Jackets also must improve on the penalty kill as they were dead last at 76.6 percent.
ABOUT THE PREDATORS (2011-12: 48-26-8, 2nd Central Division): Nashville had the top-ranked power play (21.6 percent) last season, but it will be hard-pressed to maintain that success without Suter manning one of the points. The team added Scott Hannan, who will not help compensate offensively but provides toughness on the blue line. The Predators defeated the Detroit Red Wings in the first round last spring and ended the legendary career of future Hall of Fame defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom. They advanced to the second round for the second time in franchise history.
OVERTIME
1. The Predators went 5-0-1 against the Blue Jackets last season and have won 19 of their last 20 home meetings with Columbus.
2. The Blue Jackets will play three of their first five games on the road before hosting eight of their next nine contests.
3. Nashville RW Martin Erat has registered 50 points in 54 career games against the Blue Jackets.
PREDICTION: Predators 5, Blue Jackets 2.