1.) Even a few weeks ago, Nashville was one of two teams in the Eastern Conference that people felt comfortable betting on to reach the playoffs. How has that lack of pressure impacted the team as the rest of the East fights for ground, and even looks to overtake Nashville?
I think the fact that Nashville feels pretty comfortable about its playoff position goes a long way toward explaining recent results, combined with a back-loaded away schedule. Simply put, Gary Smith and his team have felt like that second-place standing is fairly safe as long as they continue to earn road draws.