Nashville Predators: How to Beat the Avalanche in the Stanley Cup Playoffs

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NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 10: The Nashville Predators starting line hold hands with Children’s Hospital patients during the National Anthem on Hockey Fights Cancer night prior an NHL game against the New Jersey Devils at Bridgestone Arena on March 10, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Hold Down the Fort

This season, Nashville had one of the best records at home in the NHL. The team went 28-9-4 in 41 games at Bridgestone Arena, outscoring opponents 139-107 in the process.

In front of one of the most energetic crowds in the NHL, the Predators thrived. With the exception of a few hiccups, Nashville was very sound across the board at home.

Last season, Nashville was 9-2 at home in the playoffs, a number that propelled them all the way to the Stanley Cup.

Now that Nashville has home ice all the way through the playoffs, that home ice becomes even more important. If Nashville were to not win a single road game this postseason, they could still win the Cup.

Furthermore, being able to win at home will give Nashville huge advantages, as having a 2-0 series lead before playing in the opponent’s arena, is hugely beneficial.

Nashville sold out every game this season, a stat that makes Bridgestone Arena a very tough place to play.

Having a fan base like Nashville has, that can show up and make a difference on a nightly basis is an enormous advantage. The fans just witnessed the best Predators season in history, so you know that crowds will be overflowing into the street.

As a Colorado player, seeing thousands of people simply standing outside the building is just as intimidating at playing in a fully packed arena. Nashville has the advantage when they are at home, so they must win at Bridgestone.

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