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Predators ready to chase Stanley Cup once again

Published: January 18, 2013 Comment on this article

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Ryan Suter's now in Minnesota and Jordin Tootoo is in Detroit. The Nashville Predators still have captain Shea Weber and goaltender Pekka Rinne, and their goals remain unchanged.

photo - Nashville Predators defenseman and captain Shea Weber laughs after scoring a goal at NHL hockey training camp, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. The shortened, 48-game season begins Saturday, Jan. 19. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Nashville Predators defenseman and captain Shea Weber laughs after scoring a goal at NHL hockey training camp, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. The shortened, 48-game season begins Saturday, Jan. 19. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

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Stanley Cup or bust.

Rinne says the Predators have shown they can play against anybody and plan to fight for the Cup in a season with a tight schedule where players have to be ready at the start.

The Predators open Saturday night against Columbus looking for their eighth playoff berth in nine seasons but expectations couldn't be higher after falling short in the Western Conference semifinals each of the past two years.

Nashville fell short last season to Phoenix after making a handful of moves. Now the Predators must try to replace Suter, the defenseman who played more than anyone else.