Nashville Predators: Four takeaways from Game 1 versus Avalanche

5 of 5

NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 12: Ryan Ellis #4 congratulates Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators on a 5-2 win against the Colorado Avalanche in Game One of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 12, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

After starting slow, the Nashville Predators stood victorious in Game 1 of their series with the Avalanche. Here is what we learned from the game.

What an incredibly amazing night! Sure, it did not go completely as scripted, or at least as most fans had hoped. Yet, the end result brought satisfaction to us all. When the final horn blew, the Nashville Predators accomplished just what they needed: win Game 1. For a bit, that outcome was in doubt.

I case you missed the game, or could not stay up until 11 p.m. to watch to completion, let me give you a brief synopsis of what occurred. The Colorado Avalanche controlled the game for much of the opening 30 minutes, leading shot shares by a 10% margin. They also won the face-off battle early on. A few penalties pushed the Predators backs against the wall in the second period, but they responded with a late charge. Craig Smith took advantage of his opening 10 seconds into a power play to tie the game halfway through the second. From there, Nashville’s confidence grew.

Two amazing goals by Filip Forsberg provided a lead for the Predators. The final margin reached on an empty net goal from Colton Sissons. As the Predators took over, the Avalanche’s frustrations started to show. After the final whistle, Nikita Zadorov crossed checked Viktor Arvidsson and was called for a misconduct penalty.

It may not have started the way we wanted, but a win is a win. And with it, we learned a few things.

NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 12: Filip Forsberg #9 of the Nashville Predators reacts after scoring a goal against the Colorado Avalanche during the third period of a 5-2 Predators victory in Game One of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 12, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

Shining Stars

Two players will receive most of the credit for the Nashville Predators’ win. And, of course, we expect this type of play out of them, game in and game out. Still, they deserve the praise.

Filip Forsberg took over the game in the third period. With two goals in the games final 20 minutes, Forsberg’s energy and tenacity pushed the Predators to victory. The team fed off what Forsberg was able to do, and they shut down the Avalanche in the final 20 minutes. Of course, the crowd rather enjoyed his play as well.

Truly, the game rested on the back of Pekka Rinne. On several occasions, the Avalanche broke away from the Predators defense, gaining quality scoring chances. Rinne denied them time after time. On the game, Colorado had 25 scoring chances and 8 high-danger opportunities. They constantly found gaps in the Predators defense, especially in the slot. If it were not for Rinne’s continued top-level play, the Predators would have lost the game.

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.

NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 12: Nashville Predators defenseman Matt Irwin (52) talks with linesman Steve Miller (89) 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) /

Unsung heroes

When it comes to the Stanley Cup playoffs, three things are needed for victory: great goaltending, stars players performing, and someone else to step up. The Nashville Predators had all three last night. But, the surprise may just be who stepped up.

Those players are Alexei Emelin and Matt Irwin. That’s right, folks. The two most maligned players on the roster this season played the games of their lives. In terms of Corsi stats, Emelin rated at a game-high 67.86%, while Irwin was an even 64%.

More than just their shot-shares, Emelin and Irwin provide key moments in possession. While the Predators were attempting to gain momentum in the third period, these men kept the puck in the zone. When the was struggling for shots, Irwin pushed the puck to the net. Furthermore, the Avalanche gained no high-danger chances when Emelin or Irwin were on the ice.

It was nice to see the third defensive pairing play as well as they did last night.

NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 12: The Colorado Avalanche and the Nashville Predators clash seconds after the Predators won 5-2 the first game of round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena April 12, 2018. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

Special teams will be needed

Sure, this seems a bit obvious. With the game ending the way it did, both teams will rely on their power play and penalty kill units. Early in the second period, the Nashville Predators were called for two consecutive minors. This gave the Avalanche a two-man advantage. Thankfully, the Predators penalty kill showed up and allowed only four total shots in three power-play chances.

The Predators also took advantage of their first power play chance. And rather quickly. MacKinnon was called for slashing against P.K. Subban. Ten seconds after the ensuing face-off, Craig Smith was wide open in front of the net. He didn’t miss.

Nashville gained another power play opportunity, but it was not near as successful as before. And, after the game was over, Zadorov was assessed a misconduct penalty.

The Predators have won 11 straight games over Colorado. You can see the frustrations in the minds of the Avalanche. There is no doubting their desire to end the losing streak. But, the Predators are experienced in playoff hockey. Their grit and ability to annoy their opponent will come into play. With that comes penalties.

Next: Preds recover from slow start

Here is hoping they can keep everything in check and avoid majors calls.

Home / Editorials