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Nashville Predators: X-Factors to Watch in 1st Round Against Colorado

By Chad Minton

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 18: Filip Forsberg
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 18: Filip Forsberg /
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MONTREAL, QC – FEBRUARY 10: Kyle Turris #8 of the Nashville Predators takes a shot against the Montreal Canadiens during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on February 10, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Nashville Predators defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in a shootout. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC – FEBRUARY 10: Kyle Turris #8 of the Nashville Predators takes a shot against the Montreal Canadiens during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on February 10, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Nashville Predators defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in a shootout. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

Kyle Turris

My final x-factor goes to Turris. The JoFA line gets all of the attention, but some of that needs to go to Turris’ line. Countless times the Predators haven’t looked their best, but still win thanks to Turris and his leadership on the second line. He’s easily the most rewarding acquisition of this past year as the Predators can match any top two lines in the NHL.

Turris can’t disappear in this series. It could be the difference in a first-round exit and a return trip to the Stanley Cup Final. He’s instrumental in so many scoring plays, even if he doesn’t register a point on the play. He forces the action and gets the things started in the opposition’s zone.

Next: Regular Season Awards for Predators

The Turris line’s success can make a nightmare for any team, especially a team like Colorado than can’t match the depth. Turris elevates the play of Craig Smith and Kevin Fiala, his running mates on the second line. Smith has set a career high in goals this year with 25, and Fiala has also elevated his game playing with Turris.

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