As each NHL team is eliminated from playoff contention -- either mathematically or by losing in the postseason -- we'll take a look at why its quest for the Stanley Cup fell short in 2017-18, along with three keys to its offseason and a way-too-early prediction for what 2018-19 will hold.
What went wrong
The two teams with the most regular-season points met in the second round. One of them was bound to feel slighted by its ouster. Even so, this stings for the Nashville Predators -- a team that came close in 2016-17 and looked even stronger this season.
The Predators had perhaps the best defensive unit in the league. They boasted incredible scoring depth and balance. They had a goaltender who likely will win the Vezina Trophy. They had a general manager (David Poile) who was constantly making them better, with offseason acquisitions such as Nick Bonino, trade deadline pickups such as Ryan Hartman, and midseason additions such as Kyle Turris, Mike Fisher and Eeli Tolvanen (the 2017 first-round draft pick did not play as much as Predators fans would have liked).
And even still, Nashville collapsed against the Winnipeg Jets. Yes, the Jets are strong offensively, but the defensive lapses by the Predators were uncharacteristic. The Preds put together dominant performances (like Game 4 and Game 6 in Winnipeg) but were not able to sustain that success in back-to-back games. Their dominant regular season was a delight to watch, but the playoff flaws began to show in the first round against a much inferior Colorado Avalanche team.
As Nashville learned, sometimes it's easier to advance when expectations are lower.
Keys to the offseason
1. Two important RFAs: Ryan Hartman and Juuse Saros.
They're important for different reasons. Poile gave up a first-round pick -- to a divisional opponent -- to get Hartman, which leaves Nashville without a first- or second-round pick in 2018. The reason Chicago unloaded Hartman was cost certainty. He's going to need to get paid this summer. Since Poile gave up so much for him, it would be a wasted move if the Predators can't secure him long term.
Meanwhile, Saros' situation is much simpler: He's the heir apparent to Pekka Rinne and has showed flashes to lead us to believe the 23-year-old will be a spectacular No. 1.
2. Keeping tabs on Dante Fabbro, the 2016 first-round draft pick.
The Predators are one of the best organizations in terms of drafting and developing defensemen, and Fabbro is next in line. He was recently named a captain at Boston University for next season, which means he seems likely to return for his junior campaign.
Though there's still a chance the Predators could convince him to sign this summer, Fabbro could be a strong addition next spring when his college season wraps up -- a la Charlie McAvoy in 2017 -- and plug into the lineup right away.
3. Keep getting younger.
With 36-year-old Scott Hartnell and the 37-year-old Fisher (likely) coming off the books, slots are open for younger players. That, of course, should mean an extended role for the 19-year-old Tolvanen, who got a taste of the NHL after his KHL season concluded.
Other than Kevin Fiala and Tolvanen, there are no other players under the age of 23.
Realistic expectation for 2018-19
OK, so they flamed out in the second round. But remember how much we were gushing about the Predators all season? Remember how dangerous they looked entering the playoffs?
This is a talented hockey team that is fine if it stays the course. In fact, nothing short of finishing first or second in the Central Division should be expected (and the Central Division, may we remind you, should be just as competitive next season with the ascending Avalanche and rebound-ready Chicago Blackhawks).