Nashville Predators need better start in Game 2 versus Colorado

It took a while for the Nashville Predators to click on the ice in Game 1. A slow start today may be the path to a loss this afternoon.

None of us should be surprised. Throughout the regular season, the Nashville Predators started games slowly. The first periods were often messy, with poor passing, allowing opponents to control possessions. The same thing happened in Game 1 versus the Avalanche. While it did not cost them the game, continuing the trend could.

Make no mistake. The Colorado Avalanche belong in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They proved that on Thursday night. From the moment the puck dropped, the Avalanche aggressively flew around the ice. They challenged any attempt at Nashville controlling the puck. Sure, shot shares favored the Predators most of the night, but there were stretches of minutes where it felt the Predators could not get the puck out of the defensive zone.

Are the Nashville Predators a more complete team? Yes. Whether looking at depth or injuries, Nashville looks supreme. However, Colorado is playing with nothing to lose and tons of desperation. That is a dangerous combination.

Game 2 must be different

Even with the slow start, the Predators won the opening game. However, now the Avalanche have an idea of what Nashville will do to recover. They will be a bit more physical with the Predators. That may not be the best idea. Few teams have the sandpaper of the Predators. From Ryan Johansen to Ryan Hartman, Nashville’s roster is filled with players that can get under their opponent’s skin. Nikita Zadorov and Colin Wilson already showed their frustrations at the end of the game. I am sure their team held their hands to help calm them down.

Filip Forsberg provided the scoring spark for the Predators in Game 1, including an amazing goal that sent Samuel Girard into a spin cycle. (Side note: it is good to see Girard play well in his first playoff game.) Austin Watson‘s crucial goal helped get Nashville started. But the Predators need more. They know this.

The Predators received some great play from their second line in Game 1. Both Kyle Turris and Craig Smith showed their ability to gain the offensive zone and make plays. Kevin Fiala struggled at times to keep the puck on his stick, but still had chances. I fully expect them to score during 5v5 time today.

On the defensive end, Matt Irwin and Alexei Emelin stepped up their game considerable last time out. The pairing of P.K. Subban and Mattias Ekholm must do the same today. The Avalanche scored both goals and gained four high-danger chances against this pairing. Whether it was a mental lapse or poor positioning, Subban allowed players by him on several occasions. Expect a better performance today.

Projected lineup

Don’t expect things to change much today. Coach Peter Laviolette has options for making adjustments, but the speed of the Avalanche may force his hand. Miikka Salomaki started last game, playing a fast and physical game against Colorado’s second line. Here is the lineup based on Friday’s practice.

Forwards

Filip Forsberg – Ryan Johansen – Viktor Arvidsson

Kevin Fiala – Kyle Turris – Craig Smith

Colton Sissons – Nick Bonino – Austin Watson

Miikka Salomaki – Mike Fisher – Ryan Hartman

Defense

Roman Josi – Ryan Ellis

Mattias Ekholm – P.K. Subban

Alexei Emelin – Matt Irwin

Goaltenders

Pekka Rinne

Juuse Saros

Next: Four takeways from Game 1

Where to watch

Today’s game from Bridgestone Arena begins at 2:00 p.m. Central Time, and will air nationally on NBC and on Sportsnet in Canada. You can stream the game on the NBC app. Additionally, you can listen to the broadcast on 102.5 The Game in Nashville. Be sure to follow @PredlinesNSH on Twitter for updates and fun.