How about that regular season? After 82 games, we’ve seen the Predators already accomplish so much. Franchise record for points with 117? Check. Central Division Champions for the first time ever? Check. Number 1 seed in the West? Check. Lead the entire NHL in points to win the Presidents’ Trophy? Check. Smashville just witnessed the best regular season in franchise history and it’s been one hell of a ride so far. So what do all these accomplishments mean now that we’ve reached the playoffs? Absolutely nothing.
Now, that’s not to say us Preds fans shouldn’t celebrate everything this team has done this season. Every one of those check marks above is something to be proud of. Heck, I’ve already purchased some Central Division Champs swag and on the look out for some Presidents’ Trophy memorabilia. These are huge accomplishments, but now the focus should be turned to the ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup.
First up in the Preds’ march to Lord Stanley is the Colorado Avalanche. After finishing dead last in the NHL, the Avalanche completely turned it around and just squeaked into the playoffs after defeating the Blues on Saturday night. Nathan MacKinnon should be in the MVP race after having a monster season and just about single-handedly dragging the Avs to the post-season. The Preds swept the season series against the Avs, but shouldn’t take this series lightly.
Just making the playoffs won’t be enough for this young Avalanche team. They’ll be out to give the Preds everything they can and try to steal the series. So how do the Predators avoid the upset and continue on to the second round? I think it’s pretty simple actually. Much like the Blues series last year, you need to shut down the top line. Last year, it was Subban and Ekholm shutting down Tarasenko, and this year they have to focus on MacKinnon and Rantanen. If the defense is up to the task, life will be much easier on the Preds.
Pekka Rinne also needs to continue his Vezina level play. We all saw what a hot goalie can do in the run last year. The Avs can score and score in bunches. Pekka will need to be on his game in this series. Pekka realizes his chances are running out to lift the Cup, so I’m confident he’ll be laser focused and up to the challenge.
Finally, the Preds will need their depth to show up. We’ve talked all season on how much depth the Predators have up and down the lineup. The playoffs is where that will show up. It won’t be enough to for just the JOFA line the Turris-Smith-Fiala line to score. The Preds will need scoring from players like Sissons, Watson, Bonino, Hartnell, and Hartman to take the pressure off the top lines. Every year, there’s an unsung hero that steps up in a big way to help propel a team. Last season, it was Colton Sissons with a hat trick in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals. Who will it be this year? If one of these players can step up again, be prepared for another deep run.
If the Predators can do these things, I’m confident that they will advance to the second round. This team has too much talent and too much determination after falling just short last year to go out in the first round. My official prediction for the first round is Predators in FIVE. I think the Avalanche may steal a game, but in the end, the Preds will be too much for them to handle.
Enjoy the moment citizens of Smashville. Nothing can compare to the NHL Playoffs, especially in Nashville, TN. Remember last year, with hundreds of thousands of screaming fans filling Broadway to watch a hockey game. Remember the electricity in the building for each and every playoff game last year. This is something special that we have, so don’t take it for granted. We have something that no other team has, and that’s us, the fans. We may not do things the way the rest of the NHL thinks we should, with the chants, standing ovations, and college football atmosphere but that’s what makes us Smashville. Buckle up, because the ride begins Thursday night.
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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