Adam Vingan

USA TODAY NETWORK — Tennessee

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — It's been more than a month since the Predators last lost in regulation, stockpiling points in a franchise-record 14 consecutive games that also stands as the longest active point streak in the NHL.

The reasons behind the Predators' month-long run are numerous. Among them is a continuity in the team's forward lines, which has jolted what was a stagnant offense.

"I think it's important being able to be comfortable in all situations and just having units that are comfortable with each other and that have been working," Predators center Ryan Johansen said. "I think it's great to see the depth of our team come out and how everyone's been contributing. ... We've just got a lot of guys that are playing good hockey right now, which is resulting in us having success and climbing up the standings."

Hard-hitting Miikka Salomaki finds role with Predators

The acquisition of Johansen on Jan. 6 supplied the Predators with an unquestioned first-line center, a previously unfilled position that was and has historically been the team's most obvious weakness. It also created a trickle-down effect within the lineup that properly aligned the rest of the forwards, particularly down the middle.

"I think it's solidified some solid four lines for us," Predators center Mike Fisher said of Johansen's arrival. "Obviously him being able to play on that top line and play a lot of minutes has definitely helped us, there's no question. It's just balanced out the lines behind him."

As expected, there was a post-trade adjustment period, but Nashville's top-six forward group has been unchanged over the past 14 games, and the success the Predators have had during that span is related.

During the Predators' streak, they are averaging 3.21 goals per game, with their 45 total goals tied for fourth-most league-wide over that span entering Friday's games.

Johansen, who has 19 points since the trade, and forward James Neal have been together in each of Johansen's 28 games with Nashville. Although they and linemate Calle Jarnkrok haven't produced as much as is probably expected of them lately, with 18 total points in 14 games, they still present a threat that opponents must respect and prepare for.

Predators' Ryan Johansen, James Neal quickly develop chemistry

The line of Filip Forsberg, Mike Ribeiro and Craig Smith, meanwhile, has arguably been the league's best over the past month. All three are among the league's top 12 scorers since Feb. 12, having combined for 45 points. The bottom six is also pitching in, which has allowed Predators coach Peter Laviolette to disperse playing time properly and advantageously.

"Smith, he's another guy that's played unbelievable and been able to come on Ribeiro's line and those guys have been rolling," Fisher said. "My line, (Viktor) Arvidsson's been playing well and we've been able to chip in a little bit here and there, and same with the fourth line. It's really added a balance that has worked for us, and we plan to keep it going."

Said Laviolette: "I think just when you're finding success with your lines, you find stability. You find success with your team, you find stability. And when you're not, you look to change things up. If you're not scoring goals, you look to change it. If you're not winning games, you look to change it. Maybe one helps the other. Continuity helps you build success, and we've been able to stay with things the way they've been put."

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PREDATORS at CANUCKS

When: 9 p.m. Saturday

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