In analyzing the Predators on Saturday morning, Dallas Stars coach Ken Hitchcock singled out execution when crediting them for their impressive start.

“I think teams that are good and (have) been good for a long time like they have, there’s a consistent level of identity that’s there every day,” Hitchcock said. “You obviously see it.”

Predators coach Peter Laviolette agreed, to a point. Has the team found its preferred identity faster than it did last season? Probably, if taking a broad perspective.

The standings bear that out. The Predators are 11 points ahead of where they were at this time last season, when they weren't in a playoff spot.

“Compared to (last) year, we’ve been getting results," Predators center Ryan Johansen said.

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But the consistency, as revealed in the Predators' most recent block of games, hasn't fully been attained. Although it may sound odd, there’s actually a benefit to that.

"I think it keeps you looking at the game," Laviolette said.

No team wants to peak in December, especially one that wants to experience playing in June again.

Last season, the Predators reached their stride in the second half, which bled into their thrilling ride to the Stanley Cup Final. Nashville's late-season push, however, was necessary to make up for its so-so start and qualify for the postseason, which they did as the lowest seed in the 16-team tournament.

Armed with invaluable experience, the Predators reconvened in September with the understanding that they couldn't wait that long to find their game again and expect to reproduce their postseason success.

“It was almost like crystal clear for everybody when we all came for the training camp and start of the season what our expectations (are) and what is expected from each different individual," Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne said. "It was a change in that way. … It’s made us more consistent and more prepared.”

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The Predators’ recent stretch of 16 wins in 20 games between Nov. 3 and Dec. 16 shows their growth as well as their potential. How they approach their season-worst losing streak, which stands at three games as their schedule resumes Wednesday against the St. Louis Blues (7 p.m., Fox TN), will do the same.

Players see their current predicament as an opportunity to realistically evaluate themselves and make the required adjustments to regain their footing. It also keeps them hungry, preventing satisfaction from seeping into their mindset.

“There’s so many things all the time that you can achieve as a team," Rinne said. "Some games might be for first place in the Western Conference, and maybe hopefully after Christmas, we start playing games for No. 1 in the league. … We’ve put ourselves in a good position, so obviously you don’t want to ruin that good thing you have going on.”

Reach Adam Vingan at avingan@tennessean.com and on Twitter @AdamVingan.

NEXT GAME

PREDATORS at BLUES

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday

TV/radio: Fox TN/102.5-FM