The Nashville Predators are moving on to Round 2! It’s the result we all expected, but not quite the way everyone envisioned it. Give credit to the Avalanche. They gave the Predators all sorts of fits in this series. They’ll be a dangerous team for the next several years, but the Predators are the better team right now. Could the Preds have been looking ahead to Winnipeg? Possibly, but all that matters is they survived and advanced.
Let’s be honest here. The Preds did not play very good hockey in the first five games of this series. Execution, discipline, and the competitiveness just wasn’t there. It looks like Game 5 seemed to flip a switch in them though, as they flat out dominated the Avalanche from whistle to whistle in Game 6. That is the Preds team that will have to show up against the Winnipeg Jets. They will have to raise their game to another level in Round 2, or it will be a quick series. The Jets are for real, and they’re playing some very good hockey right now.
So what will the Predators need to do to advance to the Western Conference Finals? Most importantly, they will need to stay out of the box. The Jets are deadly on the power play with players like Laine, Wheeler, Ehlers, and Scheifele. The Jets have shown they are not afraid to mix it up after the whistle, so the Preds will need to keep their cool and not engage. They’ve had experience doing that with the several series against the Ducks over the years.
On the flip side, the Predators will need to get their own power play going. They scored a few PP goals against Colorado, but will need to be better against the Jets. This means more movement and more creativity without the puck. The Predators power play has become somewhat predictable, so they will need to throw in a few new looks against Winnipeg.
All four lines will need to contribute. The Predators are at their best when all four lines are rolling. The JOFA line has been very good so far in the playoffs (specifically Forsberg). Watson and Sissons have been outstanding on the third line. The Turris-Smith-Fiala line has to get going though. The Avalanche were able to hold them in check during Round 1. The Preds will need them big time in Round 2. They’ll also need the defense to pitch in a few more goals. Ekholm is the only D-man who has scored. Life will be much easier for the Preds if Ellis, Josi, and Subban can get it going this series.
Get ready, Preds fans. The series will only get more and more intense the deeper we get into the playoffs. The Predators and Jets already hate each other and that will be amplified this series. This will be one of the most emotional series we’ve seen in a while. My mind keeps going back to the Ducks series from last year, but with more offense from the Jets. This is going to be an absolute battle. I fully expect this series to go six or seven games. In my bracket challenge, I picked the Preds in six. I’m sticking with that. I think the Preds raise their game to another level and get it done to advance to the Conference Finals for the second straight year.
Take a few days off, Smashville. Regroup, recharge, refocus, and come out Game 1 ready to blow the roof off Bridgestone Arena. Just like the Preds will have to raise their game, so will we. Remember, you can sleep when the playoffs are over. #StandWithUs
Herbie Brooks is the Lead Hockey Analyst for SoBros Network. He knows three things: beating Commies, winning Gold Medals, and having great hair. Follow him on Twitter: @SoBroHerbie_B
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