(TheFourthPeriod.com) -- The Nashville Predators surprised many in the hockey world this past season when they compiled impressive 51 victories and an outstanding 110 points.

On top of the NHL for most of the season, the Predators were an explosive, grinding and complete unit with few holes. The February acquisition of Peter Forsberg helped solidify the roster, giving the Preds one of the most well balanced units in the entire league.

While they may not have captured the ultimate prize this year, the Predators proved to the entire league that they're a very dangerous group.

"I think our regular season was an A, close to an A-plus," said Predators GM David Poile. "There were so many good points to our season. We were a very entertaining team and we scored a lot of goals. I think not beating out Detroit (for first in the Conference) was the biggest disappointment."

Led by the offensive-minded core of Steve Sullivan, Paul Kariya, Jason Arnott and David Legwand, the Predators finished atop the Western Conference in goals-for with 272, and had eight players end the campaign with 50 or more total points.

"Our firepower in the offensive capabilities has really increased over the last three years," Poile said. "Down the stretch, we really had three lines that could score and that made for pretty entertaining hockey."

Midway through the season, the Predators were hit with quite the scare when starter Tomas Vokoun was knocked out of action due to another thumb injury. Luckily, 31-year-old Chris Mason stepped up handsomely and kept the team in contention.

In 40 games, Mason posted a 24-11-4 record with a 2.38 goals-against-average, a .925 save percentage and five shutouts. While some of his numbers mirrored, or bettered, his teammate, Poile made it clear that the team's No.1 remains Vokoun.

"Vokoun is clearly our No.1 goalie," Poile said. "Having said that, Mason stepped in while Vokoun was injured and played well.

"Chris is very close to being a No.1 goalie. Whether we choose to rotate the goalies, I can't answer that right now, but I know we have two capable guys. Down the road we may have to make a change."

With Vokoun and Mason garnering a lot of the attention, the Predators' defensive game was often overlooked in 2006-07. The team ranked eighth in the NHL in goals-against, averaging 2.52 per game, and while the two netminders deserve a lot of the credit, Nashville's rearguards were absolutely fantastic.

Ten defensemen suited up for the Predators at one point during the season, none of whom finished the campaign with a minus-rating, and that includes Vitali Vishnevski, who was acquired from Atlanta in February and in 15 games with Nashville compiled a plus-1 rating.

With Kimmo Timonen and Marek Zidlicky deemed the veterans of the group, youngster Dan Hamhuis, Ryan Suter, Shea Weber and Greg Zanon evolved into rocks on the blueline. The four combined for 92 points and a plus-47 rating.

"When we started (the season), we thought we had a lot of firepower up front. We were concerned about the experience on the blueline," Poile explained. "These guys came along very strongly and played big and important minutes for us.

"I think (in the coming years) we have to be rated as the top defensive team (in the NHL)."

Among Nashville's defensemen, Timonen is set to become an unrestricted free agent this July. The 32-year-old, who made $2.28 million this past year, set career highs in assists (42), points (55) and +/- (plus-20).

Timonen, who could double his salary on the open market, has expressed his desire to stay in the Music City. The Predators plan on speaking with Timonen and hope they can lock him up before July 1.

"I think we're going to have some organizational meetings and bring our pro scouts and talk about our team (before making any serious decisions)," Poile said. "Any team would be happy to have Timonen."

Along with Timonen, the Predators have several other key free agents they have to worry about, including Forsberg, Kariya and Scott Hartnell. Although Poile does not expect an answer from Forsberg regarding his future any time soon, he would like to have able to speak with Kariya and Hartnell in the coming weeks. If he is unable to retain his stars, the Predators will be active once free agency roles around.

"You have to prioritize what you want," Poile explained, referring to the free agent market. "You have to look at the salary cap situation and how much money you want to and can spend at each position. That's our job in the next 2-3 weeks.

"I think what we do with our unrestricted free agents will determine what direction we go this summer."

Top 06-07 Performers | Off-Season Needs | Time to step up | Free Agents | Top Prospects

TOP 2000-07 PERFORMERS

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OFF-SEASON NEEDS

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TIME TO STEP UP

Scott Hartnell Providing the Predators re-sign this impending unrestricted free agent, Nashville will want to see more out of this power forward. Hartnell missed 18 as a result of a lower body injury, but still scored 39 points. The Predators will look for him to up his game next year and if he does, he could reach the 60-point plateau.

Alexander Radulov It's hard to expect a rookie to come in and make a huge impact on your hockey club, however Radulov played well this past season for Nashville and will be counted on even more next year to provide greater offense. Radulov has the tools of becoming a consistent first-line, 30-goal scorer and the Preds may need him to step up early if UFAs Paul Kariya and Peter Forsberg do not return.

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KEY FREE AGENTS

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TOP PROSPECTS