From where this franchise was not too long ago, the expectation to win a championship continues to signify the climb Nashville has made in the hockey world to become an elite organization, a destination for players and fans alike with only one goal in mind.
"For the city, for the organization, for all our fans, to think the same way is great," Nashville forward Austin Watson said. "Only one team wins the Cup, and the rest of the teams didn't accomplish their goal. To have that as the end goal every year is what we talk about when we come to camp. To know the city, the organization and the team are all on the same page is awesome."
It's OK to be sad, to be disappointed, to be frustrated. The players, the coaching staff and the management share those feelings, and everyone who sports a Predators logo on their person has earned the right to be, too.
But know this: soon enough, the temperature will begin drop once more, the leaves will begin to fade to gold and the Predators will return to Tennessee in pursuit of the one things that drives them as professional hockey players.
The fact that the best regular season in franchise history ended with a second-round exit doesn't sit well. It'll be up to those within the Predators dressing room to change that.
"There's no better time to be in Nashville right now as a player," Johansen said. "It's very exciting to be a part of this group. We had a special thing going on here, and we have to keep believing that and keep our focus on the big picture. We'll do our best to bring a Stanley Cup to Nashville."