4 players the Predators desperately need to step up in Johansen's absence

Losing Ryan Johansen for the remainder of the playoffs is obviously a devastating blow to the Nashville Predators. Not only was he the team's leading scorer in the playoffs, but the club is very weak down the middle after him. With that being said, the following four players will need to raise their games in order for Nashville to beat the Anaheim Ducks.

Mike Fisher

The team's captain, every indication is that Fisher is an excellent leader off the ice, but now it's time for him to start leading on it.

Fisher has been held without a single point through 14 playoff games. Frankly, this is unacceptable. He's certainly a defensive-minded center, but he needs to start producing offensively if Nashville is going to stand a chance the rest of the way.

At 36, Fisher is obviously no spring chicken, but he still scored 18 goals and registered 42 points in 72 regular-season games. His offensive touch is still there... somewhere.

Fisher actually left Thursday's game in the third period for an undisclosed reason. The Predators desperately need him to be good to go for Game 5, and step up his game in the process.

Colin Wilson

Wilson was chosen seventh overall by the Predators in the 2008 NHL Draft. He has largely underperformed relative to his draft status his entire career, but seems to have hit an all-time low this postseason.

He hasn't scored in nine straight postseason games, picking up only two assists in that span. Simply put, the Preds need more offense from Wilson, and they need it now.

He has spent most of his time on the wing throughout his career, but may be asked to play center in Johansen's absence. If this is the case, even more responsibility falls on his shoulders, making it that much more crucial for him to elevate his game.

Calle Jarnkrok

If Fisher is unable to play, Jarnkrok will be the club's de facto No. 1 center.

The 25-year-old showed flashes of potential during the regular season, scoring 15 goals and adding 16 assists. Those flashes have been few and far between so far in the postseason, as he's totaled just two points.

The Swede is going to need to play up to his potential for the Predators to have a chance. He'll have to go up against Ryan Getzlaf or Ryan Kesler - both of whom will require him to be at his very best at both ends of the ice. He can't get physically intimidated by either center. He needs to use his speed and be strong on the puck.

Pekka Rinne

It's hard to ask Rinne to raise his game when he has without a doubt been Nashville's best player throughout the entire postseason. However, he has slowly been coming down to earth as the playoffs have progressed:

Simply put: without their best offensive player, the Predators can't allow more than one or two goals per game to win. Asking for a repeat of his first-round performance is unfair, but a return to his second-round form is more realistic. His numbers against Anaheim are quite pedestrian. He needs to be better.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)