{"id":5476,"date":"2017-01-17T16:58:01","date_gmt":"2017-01-17T21:58:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/?p=5476"},"modified":"2017-01-17T16:58:01","modified_gmt":"2017-01-17T21:58:01","slug":"impact-viktor-arvidsson","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2017\/01\/17\/impact-viktor-arvidsson\/","title":{"rendered":"The Impact of Viktor Arvidsson on the Nashville Predators"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Nashville Predators find themselves one point away from a wild card spot in the Western Conference. After their success last season, the Predators have not lived up to expectations. They are playing better of late, but still find themselves on the outside looking in. While not quite the powerhouse as usual the Central Division is still tough, and if the Predators are going to make it, they need contributions throughout the lineup. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Big names like\u00a0Filip Forsberg<\/a><\/strong>, Ryan Johansen<\/a><\/strong> and Roman Josi<\/a><\/strong> are playing better now. Pekka Rinne<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s numbers look respectable with a 2.40 goals against average and .920 save percentage. However, if the Predators are going to be a real threat this year, their depth players need to step up and provide additional offense. One such player who is doing so is Viktor Arvidsson<\/a><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Impact of Viktor Arvidsson on the Nashville Predators<\/h2>\n

The 23-year-old has been a nice surprise for the Predators this season. The Predators selected Arvidsson in the fourth round in the 2014 draft. Playing 56 games last season, Arvidsson managed 16 points (8-8), playing primarily a bottom six role.<\/p>\n

He has climbed his way up the Predators lineup ever since, and now skates alongside Johansen and Forsberg on the team\u2019s top line. The pair of Arvidsson and Johansen has also been joined by James Neal<\/a><\/strong> at various points.<\/p>\n

Through\u00a041 games this season, Arvidsson has amassed 10 goals and 15 assists. This production has earned him more trust and responsibility from the coaching staff, including\u00a0time on the power play, where he has seen just shy of 65 minutes.<\/p>\n

If he continues at his current clip and can stay healthy (he missed two games recently with an injury), he is on pace for 50 points this season. \u00a0The Predators will no doubt be thrilled if he can achieve that number, as they are unquestionably\u00a0pleased with his performance thus far.<\/p>\n

At 5\u20199\u201d, 180 pounds, the undersized Arvidsson makes up for this deficit by playing with a lot of speed and smarts. He shows good vision as his 15 assists would suggest, and he has an ability to find the back of the net. Arvidsson first turned heads when he scored this overtime goal in last year\u2019s playoffs to force a Game 7 against the Sharks:<\/p>\n