Nashville Predators 2014-15 Season Preview

Mar 23, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Nashville Predators center Mike Fisher (12) looks for the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

3 BIG QUESTIONS

1. Is this Fisher’s swan song? – As Senators fans know, Mike Fisher is a bit of a different cat in that he doesn’t need to play the game to be happy.  Even during last season there was speculation that once his current contract ends after this season that he could just retire, that will be ramped up now that his wife, Carrie Underwood, is expecting their first child.  Obviously money won’t be an issue in that family and Fisher might just be happy to retire at 35 and get on with the next phase of his life.

 2. Can Pekka Rinne get back to form? – While Carter Hutton did an adequate job in his absence, the Preds need Rinne to be at or near the top of his game for the Preds to make up the little bit of ground on the opposition and get back to the playoffs.

3. Can Laviolette do what Trotz couldn’t? – It is the dawn of a new era in Nashville, the first time in franchise history someone other than Barry Trotz is behind the bench.  Peter Laviolette takes over, and will try to guide the Preds through the treacherous waters of the Western Conference.