Nhl post-Olympics turnaround watch: Panthers, Predators and Devils top the list
The latest nhl EDGE analysis spotlights several teams that could shift momentum in the season’s second half as players return from the Olympics. A trio of stories stands out: the Florida Panthers showing signs of offensive life around a returning star, Nashville’s goaltender reasserting elite form, and New Jersey’s top forward bringing gold-medal momentum to a club chasing a playoff berth.
Nhl turnaround candidates: why the Panthers matter
Florida’s recovery case is anchored by a returning forward who missed the season start with injury but has produced since his debut. That forward has eight points (three goals, five assists) in 10 games this season and posted a strong offensive Olympic showing with six assists and 16 shots on goal in six tournament games. He ranks in the 99th percentile among forwards in offensive zone time percentage (49. 5) this season.
Team metrics underpin the optimism: the Panthers sit among the top teams in offensive zone time percentage (42. 7; fourth) and are tied for sixth in 5-on-5 shot attempts percentage (52. 5). They also rank tied for fourth in midrange shots on goal but are 27th in midrange shooting percentage (10. 2). Those splits suggest the underlying play is capable of producing more outcomes if finishing rates rise and injured pieces return to health. The club is eight points out of the final Stanley Cup Playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, making a sustained turnaround necessary for postseason hopes.
Predators’ goalie resurgence and possession footing
Nashville’s snapshot centers on its veteran starting goaltender, who had an outstanding Olympic stint: four wins, two losses, a. 940 save percentage and one shutout in six games. The same netminder ranks third in the League in high-danger saves and seventh in midrange save percentage (. 923) this season, reinforcing his status as his team’s clear No. 1 option.
The Predators are positioned within striking distance of the playoffs — four points out of the final Western Conference spot — and show encouraging possession numbers that support staying in contention. They rank third in the League in offensive zone time percentage (43. 1) and ninth in 5-on-5 shot attempts percentage (51. 4). Strong goaltending combined with those possession metrics forms a plausible blueprint for a turnaround run.
Devils’ offensive spark: Olympic form meets league return
New Jersey’s turnaround case centers on its leading forward, who delivered a memorable Olympic performance — including the tournament-winning goal in the gold-medal game — and tallied seven points (four goals, three assists) with 15 shots on goal in six games. That forward has 36 points (12 goals, 24 assists) in 36 club games this season despite missing significant time due to injury.
His profile on league tracking shows a heavy midrange shot volume (50; 91st percentile) and midrange goals (five; 82nd percentile), and he ranks among the upper percentiles in related activity. New Jersey sits 11 points out of the final Eastern Conference playoff spot, so his sustained availability and Olympic-fueled confidence are central to any realistic comeback plan for the club.
What to watch next and broader implications
These turnaround narratives share common threads: return of high-impact players from injury or international duty, possession metrics that indicate the teams are generating chances, and specific efficiency problems that, if corrected, could convert volume into wins. For Florida, improved finishing would align results with their top-10 offensive zone presence. For Nashville, continued elite goaltending could convert possession advantage into points. For New Jersey, sustained health of a high-event scorer is the clearest lever.
Recent EDGE indicators make clear that post-Olympics performance swings can reshuffle playoff races. The teams highlighted show credible pathways back into contention, but each path depends on elements that remain in play: player health, shooting efficiency, and consistency over the stretch run. Details may evolve as the nhl season resumes and more games accumulate.
