Admirals Crew

Though the Admirals are a proud group in their own right, Milwaukee has the fortune of serving as the NHL’s Predators top affiliate.  As the same general manager makes decisions for both teams, Nashville’s success greatly impacts what happens on the ice for the Admirals.  The 2010 season saw the Predators advance to the playoffs for the 5^th time in the past 6 years, continuing a string of relative success that is beginning to define the franchise.  Since the 04-05 NHL Lockout cancelled season, the Predators have qualified for post-season play 4 of 5 times, after advancing to late April in only 1 of their previous 6 seasons of existence.  Still, last season ended in a way Predators fans have become all too accustomed to, making their exit in Conference Quarterfinal play, marking their 5^th first round defeat in 5 chances.  Once again failing to make it to the second round of competition for the first time in franchise history, the Predators season ultimately fell victim to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks.  The Preds put up as valiant an effort as any of the Blackhawks post season foes, taking the series to 6 games, but unable to prolong their upset bid.  Chicago proceeded to knock out the Canucks in 6 games as well before issuing a 4 game sweep to the Sharks on their way to the Stanley Cup Finals.  The Flyers followed suit going down in 6 games as no team could push the Blackhawks to the brink of elimination.

The Predators regular season finished with an even 100 points, good for 3^rd in the Central Division and netting a 7^th seed to enter the playoffs.  The club accrued 47 wins compared to just 29 losses and 6 overtime losses.  An even goal differential suggests the Predators may have actually outperformed their play.  In the Western Conference, both the Avalanche and Blues actually posted positive goal differentials though fell behind Nashville in the standings, with St. Louis missing out on the post season entirely.

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