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The Predators don't have a superstar top line to carry their offense. Nor do they have an overly stingy defense that shuts out the opposition. Looking at the standings, Nashville is a decidedly middle of the pack team when it comes to goal scoring and defensive play. Special teams, however, have proved to be a big difference between this year's squad and last season's.

The Predators of 2002-2003 were a sound defensive team that could not put the puck in the net. A reasonable 83% penalty kill and 2.51 goals against average were murdered by a miserable 2.23 goals per game and a limp power play (13.9%, 26th in the NHL). This year's version of special teams have killed penalties at roughly the same ratio as before, but the power play has jumped to the upper half of the league, hovering around the 18% mark.

Instead of giving up more goals than they are scoring, the Predators are keeping the goals for/goals against differential close enough that bounces could win games. Lately, Tomas Vokoun has decided to remove even that from the equation with a sparkling .950 save percentage and 1.50 GAA during the last week of November. The question remains, though, who is driving the Predators offense? Would you believe a 26-year-old Czech rookie?

Nashville's resurgent power play and offense can be traced back to its leading scorer and most unlikely threat: Marek Zidlicky. With approximately 70% of Zidlicky's points coming on the power play, he is paired with veteran Kimmo Timmonen to give the Predators the first lethal power play in franchise history. Zidlicky is not afraid to shoot, registering in the top-20 for shots on goal by a defenseman, nor is he afraid to make a play, as shown by his team lead in assists.

Zidlicky's offensive instincts have helped jumpstart the team, but the goals have not been scored by one threat. A look at the Nashville roster brings the phrase "who are these guys?" to mind. With the departure of veteran players such as Cliff Ronning and former captain Tom Fitzgerald, the Predators have looked to their (very) young core to mature and lead the team on the ice and off the ice. So far, the results have been steady, if not spectacular.

Many NHL observers predicted a breakout season for former No. 2 draft pick David Legwand. While having a respectable season so far, Legwand has been far from dominant, even to the point where his motivation and commitment have been questioned. Legwand's name has even been mentioned in trade rumors for Edmonton holdout Mike Comrie.

Following in Legwand's wake are Martin Erat, Scott Hartnell, and Vladimir Orzagh. Orzagh, the veteran of the group at a ripe old age of 26, has finally proven himself to be a top two line player. Erat and Hartnell are still developing, and the Nashville brass hopes that eventually Erat, Hartnell, or Legwand will become the franchise player that the Predators so desperately need.

With a December 3rd victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, the Nashville Predators achieved two milestones. They won five-straight games for the first time in franchise history and went three games above .500 further than any other prior point in previous years. With the cornerstones of solid, if not spectacular, forwards and defense, and a hidden gem in goal, this may be the year the Predators make good on their ownership's playoff promise.

Having a winning record in December does not guarantee entry into the Stanley Cup playoffs. But having that sort of success is a true indicator that the potential is there and that anything can happen. It's up to the young Predators to prove to the NHL world that they are up to the challenge.

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