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Nashville Predators: Four takeaways from Game 1 versus Avalanche

By Corey Francis

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)
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) /
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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)
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.

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