All the outside attention at the start of the year was focused on the Preds' offense, a natural reaction given that Nashville was adding the skilled Subban to a high-powered bunch that included Roman Josi, James Neal, Filip Forsberg and Ryan Johansen.
But there were times the Preds could have been more attentive to defensive detail. In one stretch earlier this season, Nashville surrendered at least three goals nine-straight times, going 3-5-1.
"I think at the start of the year we kind of believed our own hype too much - obviously there were high expectations and all of that," Ellis said. "But lately we've been getting down to basics and simplifying our game.
"We know what kind of skill and talent level we have in here. But when you're playing teams like L.A., Minnesota and Winnipeg almost every night, it turns into more of a grinding, contact game. We've figured that out of late and it's starting to pay off."
Sure enough, the Predators have allowed two or fewer goals in nine of their last 13 games.
Part of that is due to great goaltending (Rinne has a .938 save percentage in January, Saros a .923 percentage), but part is due to better decision-making in front of the two netminders, whether that's in the offensive or defensive zone.
"We still want to be a high-tempo, high-skill, fast team, but at times, you've just got to be smart with your decisions and your actions," Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm said. "If you've been on the ice for 45 seconds, don't try that extra move because then it's a turnover and you get stuck out there. Maybe instead just chip the puck in for a change and get fresh legs out there. Live to fight another day."
The return of injured players can't be ignored either.