Predators on the rebound?

The Preds have had a rocky start to the 2006-07 NHL season, losing their first three games and finally notching a win over Phoenix this past Saturday night. At 1-3, the Preds are looking up at the Central Division and the entire league right now.

That's likely to change, but it's a surprise for a team with lofty expectations for the first time. I think a few experts, who have the Preds as the best in the Western Conference, are a little too high on the Preds, but they are primed for their best year ever.

I sure hope they can continue climbing out of the cellar tonight on Long Island as they face the New York Islanders. Having seen the Preds twice this season, I liked what I saw against Phoenix much more than what I saw on opening night against Chicago. Unlike the opener, the Preds played a solid defensive game and seasoned it with opportunistic offense to beat the Coyotes 4-1. This is the most skilled team Nashville has put on the ice in its brief history, but even the current Preds will have to play rugged defense to succeed. Here's hoping they do that tonight.