Most NFL franchises have roster needs to varying degrees. Some of those needs significantly outweigh the others and that is the case for a handful of franchises.

Here are five teams that will almost certainly address one specific need in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft:

Tennessee Titans: Offensive tackle

As part of its coaching search, Tennessee made it clear to candidates that they intend to move forward with Will Levis as the starting quarterback. They have done everything in their power to support him this offseason by signing wide receiver Calvin Ridley, running back Tony Pollard and center Lloyd Cushenberry. Wide receiver and offensive tackle were viewed as the most likely outcomes for the Titans at No. 7 overall but they used free agency to sign Ridley and released incumbent starting left tackle Andre Dillard. Levis spent last offseason running for his life but now the franchise has one of the league's best offensive line teachers, Bill Callahan, and are likely to use its first round pick on the offensive line for the second consecutive year.

New Orleans Saints: Offensive tackle

New Orleans' offensive tackle desperation is a developing situation. Left tackle Trevor Penning is a former first-round selection, but he has not lived up to expectations. Meanwhile, it has been reported that the structural integrity of right tackle Ryan Ramczyk's knee is a concern coming off injury. The Saints have always maximized their investment into the offensive line so the current situation has to make them uneasy. At No. 14 overall, they can get a quality solution at either tackle spot.

Dallas Cowboys: Offensive tackle

The need could be expanded to include offensive guard, because it really boils down to how the franchise feels about Tyler Smith, who played guard when Tyron Smith was healthy and left tackle when he was not. Center Tyler Biadasz signed with Washington as well. The team claims to be comfortable with the offensive line as it is currently constructed but it is just trying not to bring anymore unwanted attention to its current situation.

Atlanta Falcons: Pass rusher

Every team in the Top-10 overall has been linked to an offensive position with the exception of Atlanta. The Falcons could address cornerback but they really need a player that can make the opposing quarterback uncomfortable and get him off his spot. Will it be Alabama's Dallas Turner, UCLA's Laiatu Latu or Florida State's Jared Verse? Turner offers more dynamic qualities but does not have the highest floor of the group.

The Falcons could also trade down if there is a team desperate for quarterback, wide receiver or offensive line help.

Indianapolis Colts: Cornerback

Indianapolis set out to upgrade the cornerback position this offseason within a reasonable parameter. There were reports of their varying level of interest in cornerback L'Jarius Sneed before he was dealt from Kansas City to the Titans. Fortunately, there is a golden opportunity for the organization to address that position in the 2024 NFL Draft. Teams will be in a frenzy to draft quarterbacks, wide receivers and offensive tackles like Target shoppers there to buy viral 'Stanley' cups, but the Colts are the shopper minding their own business buying toilet paper and other essentials. Alabama's Terrion Arnold, Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell and Iowa's Cooper DeJean are expected to come off the board first. Indianapolis should be able to get their hands on one of them.

The wild card is whether or not Georgia tight end Brock Bowers is available. If that were to occur, then general manager Chris Ballard would have a difficult choice to make.

Detroit Lions: Cornerback

A few years ago, Detroit had a grocery list and they began crossing those off as they were addressed.

They continued working towards a complete roster this offseason by signing defensive tackle D.J. Reader and edge rusher Marcus Davenport. They traded for veteran cornerback Carlton Davis but were blindsided by an off-field incident involving Cam Sutton. A position that had been crossed off the list is now back. Cornerback is one of the biggest needs remaining on a roster that has goals of competing for a Super Bowl.

The 2024 NFL Draft will take place from April 25-27 in Detroit. More draft coverage can be found at CBSSports.com, including the weekly updated draft order, mock drafts and a regularly available look at the eligible prospects.

Aria Gerson

Vanderbilt baseball's series against Texas A&M contained a dubious first for the program under coach Tim Corbin.

On Friday and Saturday, the Commodores (26-10, 8-7 SEC) lost 15-0 and 9-0, respectively, marking the first time since 1995 they were shut out in back-to-back games. Vanderbilt also dropped the series finale Sunday 12-6 at Blue Bell Park to get swept for the second time this season.

Both the hitting and pitching consistently struggled. None of the three starters made it more than four innings, and for most of the weekend the bullpen wasn't much better.

The Commodores put up 17 total hits in the series, matching what Texas A&M had in the first game alone. Vanderbilt put up just one extra-base hit, a double, in the first two games before hitting three home runs and a triple in the series finale.

Here's what we learned:

Starters roughed up

In his four-inning appearance Friday, Bryce Cunningham gave up seven runs (including three homers) and nine hits. He walked one and struck out two.

That would be the longest appearance by any starter in the series. Carter Holton. who didn't have his usual command, got off to a rough start Saturday. He gave up five runs in the first inning, including three walks and two hit batters. After that point, he held Texas A&M to two runs and one walk, striking out three across 2⅔ additional innings, but the damage was already done.

Greysen Carter on Sunday was scoreless through his first two innings, but in the third he gave up two runs, two walks and a hit batter, resulting in his departure from the game.

For Holton, it was his first true poor start of the season, but Cunningham has given up five or more runs in three of his past four appearances, all of those on the road. The potential return of Devin Futrell, who has not pitched in three weeks due to an undisclosed injury, could provide more rotation depth, though it is unclear when he will be able to return.

Braden Holcomb, Davis Diaz offensive bright spots

Throughout the weekend, the offense showed a distinct lack of firepower compared to Texas A&M. On Friday, Aggies starter Ryan Prager threw a seven-inning shutout, allowing no walks and striking out 10. In the next two games, Vanderbilt walked just four times to 19 strikeouts.

Davis Diaz was the top offensive performer, going 5-for-11 with a home run in the series. He was 3-for-3 on Saturday.

Freshman Braden Holcomb had just two hits in the series, with six strikeouts, but the two hits made an impact. He hit a double Saturday, the first extra-base hit of the series for Vanderbilt, and went over the scoreboard for a home run Sunday.

Although Holcomb has struggled with a high strikeout total, his power offers something the lineup is light on. With four home runs this season, he is already tied for third on the team behind Jonathan Vastine and Matthew Polk, who have five home runs apiece.

FRESHMEN PITCHERSWhy Vanderbilt baseball's freshmen pitchers rate among the SEC's best

Luke Guth could be a useful bullpen option

Freshman Luke Guth made his collegiate debut in a win over Middle Tennessee State on Tuesday. He saw his second appearance Saturday and pitched two innings without allowing a baserunner, striking out one. Guth was the top performer among all relievers who pitched during the series and made his case to be a regular part of the bullpen.

On Friday, Sam Hliboki relieved Cunningham and gave up six runs in his only inning. Levi Huesman (Friday) and David Horn Jr. (Saturday) gave up two runs in one inning apiece. On Sunday, Vanderbilt held a 4-2 lead when Carter left the game. But Ethan McElvain took the loss when he gave up six runs in his second inning of work after striking out the side in his first inning. (Four of McElvain's runs were unearned.)

Ryan Ginther followed McElvain and allowed four runs in 2⅓ innings. Miller Green followed it up with a scoreless ninth, although he did allow two of his inherited runners from Ginther to score.

Key Players to Watch, Notable Stats vs. Pittsburgh, How to Watch & Listen and More

By Zach Gilchriest

@ZachGilchriest Beat Writer & Content Manager

April 15, 2024

And then there was one.

The Nashville Predators can clinch the first Wild Card spot in the Western Conference when they face the Pittsburgh Penguins in their final game of the 2023-24 season on Monday.

Either a Predators win or an overtime/shootout loss would see Nashville secure the West’s first Wild Card position and guarantee a first-round matchup against the team with the conference’s second-best record.

To do it, they’ll need to ice a winning performance against a Penguins team desperately trying to claw their way back into a playoff position.

Puck drop at PPG Paints Arena is at 6 p.m. CT, with the game set to broadcast on Bally Sports South, 102.5 The Game and El Jefe Radio. Here’s everything you need to know:

Roman Josi and Tommy Novak each scored twice as the Predators defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets, 6-4, in their regular-season home finale on Saturday.

Josi added two assists to record his first four-point performance of the season and the eighth of his career, as well as his 21st multi-point outing of the campaign. No. 59 additionally extended his point streak to four games (3g-5a); he now has 36 points (12g-24a) in his last 27 outings.

Scoring twice in the first period, Novak reached 18 goals on the season, enough to best a career high established in 2022-23, then added an assist to earn his first three-point performance of the season.

Filip Forsberg scored his 47th goal of the season to reach 93 points on the campaign (47g-46a) and 40 (22g-18a) in his last 27 outings.

Cody Glass scored his sixth goal of the season, and the fourth in his last eight games. Luke Evangelista and Gustav Nyquist each recorded two assists.

Nashville went 2-for-3 on the power play and 1-for-1 on the penalty kill.

Juuse Saros made 31 saves and improved to 35-23-5 on the season and 15-2-3 in his last 20 starts.

The result saw Nashville complete a perfect back-to-back set, sweep their two-game season series against Columbus and conclude their 2023-24 Bridgestone Arena schedule at 23-16-2.

Forsberg leads the Predators in points (93) and goals (47); he is tied for 11th and sixth among NHL skaters in each respective category. The forward has recorded 40 points (22g-18a) in his last 27 outings.

Josi leads his team and is tied for fourth among League defensemen in assists (62); Nashville’s Captain additionally leads all NHL blueliners in goals (23) and is third in points (85). Since Feb. 17, Josi leads the League’s defensemen in points (36) and goals (12).

Defenseman Jeremy Lauzon leads the League in hits (374); he needs nine to pass the NHL’s single-season record (382), recorded by Matt Martin in 2014-15.

After 63 appearances this season, Saros has recorded a 2.84 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. Since Feb. 17, Saros leads all League netminders in wins (15) and owns a 2.43 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage.

Nashville holds the Western Conference’s first Wild Card spot with 99 points and a 24-13-3 record on the road. Since Nov. 18, the Predators have earned the most road wins (22) and points (47) in the NHL.

With 86 points and two games in hand, the Penguins enter Monday’s contest needing a win to keep their playoff dreams alive.

Sidney Crosby leads the Penguins in points (90), goals (41) and assists (49); he is 15th, tied for 12th and tied for 33rd among NHL skaters in each respective category.

Pittsburgh’s captain picked up his 1,000th career assist on Thursday, becoming the 14th player and the seventh-fastest (1,269 GP) in NHL history to reach the milestone.

Tristan Jarry is 19-25-5 after 51 appearances, with a 2.91 goals-against average, a .903 save percentage and a 0-0-1 record against Nashville this season. Backup netminder Alex Nedeljkovic is 17-6-7 after 36 appearances, with a 2.93 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage.

Pittsburgh is sixth in the Metropolitan Division with a 22-14-4 record at PPG Paints Arena.

The Predators are 15-15-(2)-4 all-time against the Penguins, including a 5-9-(2)-1 record on the road. This is the second and final matchup between Nashville and Pittsburgh in 2023-24; it is the first and only at PPG Paints Arena.

Nashville is 1-0-0 against Pittsburgh this season, earning a 3-2 overtime win at Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 28. Filip Forsberg scored the game-winning goal in OT. The Predators are 2-2-1 in their last five games against the Penguins; they are 4-4-2 in their last 10; and 1-3-1 in their last five on the road.

Nashville faced Pittsburgh in the 2017 Stanley Cup Final, falling in six games, 4-2. It was Nashville’s first-ever trip to the Cup Final.

Coverage for Monday’s game begins at 5:30 p.m. CT with the Predators LIVE! pregame show on Bally Sports South, hosted by Lyndsay Rowley. Play-by-play announcer Willy Daunic and analyst Chris Mason will have the call on the television side.

Pete Weber and Hal Gill will call the game on 102.5 The Game and the Predators Radio Network, with pregame, postgame and intermission coverage by Max Herz beginning one hour before puck drop. The game will also be broadcast in Spanish on El Jefe which airs on 96.7 FM, 105.3 FM and 810 AM. (El partido también se transmite en español por El Jefe en 96.7 FM, 105.3 FM y 810 AM.)

NASHVILLE – Can you believe we're now just 10 days away from the NFL Draft?

It's true.

Mock drafts continue to change, but some clear choices continue to stand out for the Tennessee Titans.

Still, some new names have emerged from a week ago.

So, who will the Titans pick?

Let's take our ninth tour of the mocks, and a look at what 30 draft analysts think the Titans will do with the 7th overall pick:

Mel Kiper, ESPN: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic: WR Rome Odunze, Washington

Kyle Stackpole, CBS Sports: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Gennari Filice, NFL.com: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia (at No.10)

Charles Davis, NFL.com: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Luke Johnson, Nola.com: WR Malik Nabers, LSU

Sam Phalen, AtoZ Sports: OT J.C. Latham, Alabama (at No.14)

Glynn Morgan, NBC Sports Chicago: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Josh Edwards, CBS Sports: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Travis May, AtoZ Sports: WR Malik Nabers, LSU

Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN: OT J.C. Latham, Alabama

Matt Rooney, Bleacher Nation: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Eric Galko, CBS Sports: OT J.C. Latham, Alabama (at No.12)

David Furones, Sun Sentinel: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Sam Palazzolo, Pro Football Focus: OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State

Nate Davis, USA Today: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Rhett Lewis: NFL.com: OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State

Destin Adams, AtoZ Sports: OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State

Nick Suss, The Tennessean: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Adam Rank. NFL.com: OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State

Clarence Hill, Star Telegram: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Andrew Erickson, Fantasy Pros: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia

Colin Cowherd, FOX Sports: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Tyler Forness, Sporting News: OT Amarius Mims, Georgia

Chad Reuter, NFL.com: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Maurice Jones-Drew, NFL.com: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports: Edge Dallas Turner, Alabama

As a seasoned guitar player and the owner of a music-themed lounge in downtown Windsor, Michael Showers knows a thing or two about the power of a good melody on a person’s soul — but his mission to walk more than 850 kilometres through four U.S. states might be his greatest hit yet.

On Sunday, Showers began walking from The Peacock Lounge in downtown Windsor, which he owns with his wife, toward the Ambassador Bridge. He was driven across the border where he will be sleeping at a hotel in Detroit for the night.

As of Monday, however, he will be on his own.

That’s because Showers is planning to walk from Detroit, through the U.S. states of Ohio and Kentucky, to his final destination of Nashville, Tenn. — carrying just a few personal belongings and a guitar.

The estimated length is approximately 860 kilometres from Detroit. He expects it will take him at least 17 days to reach Nashville.

"I'm going to be raising money on the way. I'm going to pick someone on the way and write 17 songs on the way. If it takes 20 days to get there, I'm going to be writing 20 songs," said Showers.

"Every day, I'm going to be writing a song to help somebody out. When I put the song on my album, the proceeds of that song will go that person."

Showers said the idea to embark on this harrowing feat came after years of stress spurred by the pandemic and "bad landlords."

After opening The Peacock Lounge in December 2019, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic forced widespread closures, Showers said he and his wife has to relocate their business two times before it found a home in downtown Windsor.

"It was hard. It's been a struggle," said Showers' wife and Peacock Lounge co-owner Shannon Laprise-Showers.

"Mike woke up one morning and said that he was going to walk to Nashville because he needed to and that he now understood what mental health is and the struggles that people go through — stress, anxiety, depression — because he had all of it."

According to Showers, he's not sure what his accommodations will look when it comes time to rest during each leg of his walk.

If he can't find a roof over his head, Showers said he has no problem sleeping on the street ot playing his guitar for passersby.

"I'm only bringing so much money with me. I'm going to take my guitar and just go. If I find someplace to stay, great. I hope so because I need rest and I need Wi-Fi because I'm going to be updating my walk and the footage on social media," said Showers.

His wife said she plans on making the drive from Windsor to wherever he is in the U.S. to check on him every few days.

Still, her nerves are expectedly high.

"It's going to be rough. I'll be worried about him. Anything could happen. He could be walking in the where traffic might not see him. He's 55 years old and walking for 17 days straight," said Laprise-Showers.

But, she added, the message her husband wants to get out there makes this harrowing effort all worth it.

The couple shares eight children together, plus three grandchildren.

"We have so many kids that are depending on us to show them the world isn't such a bad place and the people that are in it aren't so bad. I'm very proud of him for showing them that, even at 55 years old, if you believe in something, you need to get it done," said Laprise-Showers.

As for Showers, he hopes his walk spreads a message of kindness — particularly on social media where people are increasingly victimized to online bullying.

"People don't realize how they're affecting people's lives. They can destroy people's lives. We have to stop that and go back to basics and just enjoy people and love people," he said.

People can donate to Showers' walk — dubbed the Peacock Walk — using this link.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A few FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAYS are in store for Middle Tennessee as multiple chances for strong to severe storms are expected.

FIRST ALERT TONIGHT & TOMORROW

Today will be warm and breezy with temperatures in the mid-80s in the afternoon, but wind gusts over 20 mph at times. I cannot say no to passing rain shower today, but we are NOT expecting any storm during the day itself. The first storms could arrive as late as Tuesday evening, but we are still timing out the risk of some strong storms Tuesday night and into Wednesday.

Any storm Tuesday night and Wednesday morning could pack strong winds, heavy downpours and even some decent sized hail. The tornado threat is really not going to be a concern for us, so that is some good news.

Clouds will be stubborn on Thursday with temperatures in the lower 80s for the afternoon. I can’t rule out an isolated shower during the day, but most of us will end up staying dry.

FIRST ALERT THURSDAY NIGHT

A few more showers and storms will move in Thursday night and into Friday morning giving us another risk of a couple of strong to severe thunderstorms.

Rain will gradually move out on Friday with temperatures falling back into the 70s.

Download the WSMV 4 First Alert Weather app for iPhone or Android. Our team of meteorologists will send alerts to your phone about conditions headed your way. They also share custom videos about the weather where you live.

Have weather pictures or videos? Share them here.

COOLING DOWN

Saturday and Sunday will be MUCH cooler with temperatures in the mid 60s. Both days we’re watching for more showers, but right now there’s a lot of uncertainly how much rain will actually develop this weekend so stick with us on WSMV 4 all week long!

**** Watch: Step-by-step instructions to program your NOAA Weather Radio. ****

NASHVILLE — Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon and first-year coach Brian Callahan have been tirelessly working to rebuild the team after two challenging seasons. Their dedication and efforts have not gone unnoticed, even catching the attention of a former NFL coach.

Mike Smith was 66-46 as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2008-14, reaching the playoffs four times, including the 2012 NFC Championship Game. He recently spoke with Betway insider and had some positive feedback about how the Titans hired Callahan, the potential of quarterback Will Levis, and how the team did in free agency.

Last season Levis played in nine games last season as rookie while showing signs of promise there were moments inconsistency. Smith believes the best is yet to come for Levis under Callahan.

"The short answer is yes," Smith told Betway Insider. I was excited about him in his rookie year; he was a mixed bag of good and bad. He ended up starting nine games as a rookie, but there's a new head coach in town in Brian Callahan, who was hired because of his work with some of the top quarterbacks in the NFL."

During his career before coming to the Titans, Callahan worked with several high-level NFL quarterbacks, including Peyton Manning, Joe Burrow, Derek Carr, and Matthew Stafford. Smith believes this experience will translate well with Levis.

"The offense is going to look a lot different with Brian Callahan calling the shots," Smith said. "You're going to see Levis in an offense that features more passing, and he'll be able to distribute the touches more evenly. Last year, he was hamstrung a little bit and wasn't able to show what he's really capable of doing. I'm high on Levis and I was very impressed with him at Kentucky. I was surprised at how he fell down the draft board."

One of the most notable signings for Carthon was picking up former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley to a four-year $92 million deal. Smith believes that Ridley is one of the best receivers in the league.

"Calvin Ridley... is a top 10, maybe even top five receiver in the league, definitely top 10 at least," Smith said. "He can show out like nobody else and when he's on and he's hot, he's really good. They were looking at upgrading the wide receiver spot opposite DeAndre Hopkins, and that mission was certainly accomplished.”

Smith also high on the Titans signing running back Tony Pollard and center Lloyd Cushenberry. He sees the Titans as putting themselves in good position to modernize their offense with the depature of legendary running back Derrick Henry.

“Those skill position players that they added are very good," Smith said. "They had an issue at offensive line, so they went out and got Lloyd Cushenberry III and they had a really good resigning of Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.” These are all moves which indicate to me that they are moving away from the run focused scheme with the large doses of Derrick Henry, who is no longer there, which was preferred by Mike Vrabel.”

Zach Gilchriest

@ZachGilchriest Beat Writer & Content Manager

April 14, 2024

Less than an hour after his team overcame the odds and punched their ticket to the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Tuesday, Nashville Predators Head Coach Andrew Brunette was in Bridgestone Arena’s media room, doling out praise to just about everyone.

Everyone except himself, that is.

“They built the identity, not me,” Brunette insisted. “We’ve said it a million times, but [relentless] is just a word. It's what they do night in and night out, and I think they're wearing it very proudly and they're bringing it every night.”

Brunette’s modesty notwithstanding, Nashville’s newest bench boss deserves a good deal of praise for his efforts this season.

Establishing a brand new vision for a roster comprised of newcomers, rookies and a markedly smaller core of franchise players, Brunette took the latest iteration of Predators from postseason write-offs to one of the most dangerous teams in the NHL in a matter of months.

“He deserves a ton of credit,” Predators Captain Roman Josi said. “It wasn't an easy year in the beginning and he came in with a plan, he came in with a system and a way that he wanted us to play. And there were probably nights where we didn't execute it and his patience was amazing. He just stuck with it and kept believing in the system, kept believing in us and we felt that as a team.”

Josi Discusses Clinching Playoffs

To be certain, the road to the postseason was not without its share of bumps. Through peaks and valleys, the Predators were as many as four points out of the playoff picture exiting the All-Star break in early February.

Still, Brunette never wavered from his blisteringly-paced, offense-first style of play, and expected the same from his team. Eventually - as became apparent during their thrilling franchise-record 18-game point streak - the Predators caught on.

Since Feb. 17, the Predators lead the League in points (43) and share the joint-most wins (20). They've scored the second-most goals per game (3.85), while allowing the fourth-fewest (2.48).

“I knew it was going to take a little while with the players kind of wondering why we're doing certain things and why I’m asking them to do them,” Brunette said following a team practice on Thursday. “It was a little different, it was a little strange and it took a while. And I think it was good to have that little run in February, because I think they started to understand what it takes to get to our level of play. And now they're understanding why I'm asking them to do certain things.”

Under Brunette, the Predators have seen career seasons from players up and down the lineup. Take Gustav Nyquist as just one of several available examples.

Arriving in Nashville this summer with more than 700 career games under his belt, the 34-year-old forward had never iced a 60-point season, nor had he ever reached 40 assists.

After 80 games in a Gold sweater, he’s put up 74 and 52, respectively, while simultaneously notching his first 20-goal campaign since 2014-15.

While there are certainly a number of factors at play, Brunette’s influence can’t be overlooked.

“[It’s] just how he prepares us and what he demands from us,” Nyquist said. “He’s been around the League, and I think it helps when you've played for such a long time. It’s a long season and I think it's valuable, the knowledge that you get being in a locker room as a player. He obviously deserves some credit for that, too.”

Nyquist Discusses Clinching Playoffs

Indeed, a veteran of 1,110 career outings, Brunette simply sees the game - and his players - differently.

“He had to get to know us and we had to get to know him,” Josi said. “And I think through communication you build a lot of trust… Everywhere he’s been, guys have loved him, guys have loved his coaching style. And I think sometimes as a player it might be a little uncomfortable in the beginning trying a new system, and there might be games where it doesn't work out. And it's easy to doubt everything - doubt yourself, doubt the system, doubt all that stuff - and I felt like we all just did a great job trusting in him, and he trusted us. We trusted the system and we kept working on it and got better and better.”

Nyquist isn’t the only example, either; just look at his linemates.

Ryan O’Reilly is on pace to match a career high in goals he established five years ago, while Filip Forsberg has already eclipsed personal - and franchise - bests in just about every scoring category.

At the other end of the lineup, it isn’t much different, with Nashville’s fourth line of Michael McCarron, Kiefer Sherwood and Cole Smith each eclipsing career highs in points, goals and assists, too.

Regardless of what happens when the Predators begin postseason action next week, don’t be surprised if Brunette’s name sneaks into the Jack Adams conversation.

Maybe then he’ll take his credit.

“When it doesn't go well it's easy to go off script, but he stayed with it,” Josi said. “He believed in us, he believed in the system and he's done an amazing job.”