For the Nashville Predators, this season has been a constant battle, especially for positioning in the Central Division, as the back and forth between the St. Louis Blues, Minnesota Wild, and themselves has been nonstop. A big part of the Predator’s success has been tied to a few players, whether it be goaltender Juuse Saros, the resurgence of Matt Duchene, the career year by Filip Forsberg but especially by the play of defenseman Roman Josi. While the first three players are all having fantastic years, none is more special than Josi’s season, especially considering his position.
An already historic season for the 2020 Norris Trophy winner took another step forward last night when the Nashville Predators took on the Ottawa Senators. Heading into the game, Roman Josi sat in second place in Nashville Franchise history with 84 points as he trailed only Paul Kariya’s franchise record of 85 points set during the 2005-2006 season. Josi has been a point machine all season long as he entered the matchup with 19 goals and 65 assists, good for 84 points. After the conclusion of last night’s game which saw the Predators beat the Senators 3-2, Roman Josi emerged as the Franchise leader in points thanks to his three-assist night that brought his overall points total for the season 87. Josi has tallied six points in the last two games as he looks to cross the century mark for points with 12 games remaining.
If he can maintain this current pace, he will join an elite list of defensemen that have recorded 100 point seasons, joining names like Bobby Orr and Paul Coffey. Fans in Nashville and all over the NHL are witnessing one of the greatest offensive seasons by a defenseman that has happened in a long time. It is a pleasure to watch the 31-year-old, and former 2008 second-round pick as his puck-moving ability is flawless and some of the best at his position. Only time will tell what Josi can accomplish over these final 12 games, but if he continues to produce like he has all season long, then we will witness even more history being made as he looks to take home his second Norris Trophy along with crossing the 100 point threshold.
