Nashville Predators: Four takeaways from Game 1 versus Avalanche

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NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 12: Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) slides across the crease as Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) skates behind the goal with the puck during Game One of Round One of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche, held on April 12, 2018, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

They are who we thought they were

And they still did what they do.

There is no mistaking who the Avalanche’s top players are on their roster. The top line of Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Gabriel Landeskog are fast and ready to take advantage of every opportunity. The trio won the Corsi battles last night, with Rantanen leading the way at 61.11%. From the time the puck dropped, they went to work. Within seconds of the start of the game, MacKinnon had a scoring chance front the side of the net. The puck slid passed the goal.

Abot 6 minutes later, Zadorov claimed the first goal on the Avalanche’s first shot of the game. Of course, Rantanen and MacKinnon were given the assists. Everyone who watches hockey knows the lethal abilities of Colorado’s front line. They are really good. And the Predators were not prepared to handle them last night. Each player accounted for three shots on goal, and they gained four high-danger chances.

That cannot happen again.

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