Round 2
It wasn’t pretty, but the Nashville Predators got the job done against Colorado. I’d like to think that a little first round scare will help Nashville, as they now see that 82 games of hard work can evaporate into nothing, just like that.
The Predators have yet to really put together a truly dominant performance, in my opinion, as Colorado was clearly just beaten down in Game 6. Winnipeg will provide a much better opponent, and require much better play from the President’s Trophy winners.
The bottom half has provided an unexpected spark to the Predators game, that coupled with the stars like Forsberg and Arvidsson, could be trouble for the Jets.
Similarly, the Predators blue line has continued to play solid defense, with the exception of Game 3. They’re adding quality offense to the mix, something that few teams can match. If they can stay on top of their game against Winnipeg, the Jets’ scorers could be frustrated.
Next: Three up, three down from opening round victory
With a few days before the start of round two, Nashville is resting up after a chippy series with the Avalanche. The Jets are arguably one of the best teams in the NHL, meaning that Nashville will have to bring the big guns when they face off with their Central Division rival.
4 wins down, 12 to go.
Go Preds Go!