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Nashville Predators: Three up, three down from opening round victory

By Corey Francis |
DENVER, CO - APRIL 22: Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban, right, #76 and Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog #92 hug it out at the end game 6 of round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after the Predators won 5-0 at the Pepsi Center April 22, 2018. The Predators won the series 4-2. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - APRIL 22: Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban, right, #76 and Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog #92 hug it out at the end game 6 of round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after the Predators won 5-0 at the Pepsi Center April 22, 2018. The Predators won the series 4-2. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO – APRIL 22: Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban, right, #76 and Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog #92 hug it out at the end game 6 of round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after the Predators won 5-0 at the Pepsi Center April 22, 2018. The Predators won the series 4-2. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – APRIL 22: Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban, right, #76 and Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog #92 hug it out at the end game 6 of round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after the Predators won 5-0 at the Pepsi Center April 22, 2018. The Predators won the series 4-2. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

After a brilliant shutout win last night, the Nashville Predators are heading into the second round of the playoffs. Who helped and who underperformed?

Finally. It took longer than most of us expected, but we finally witnessed a complete 60-minute game from the Nashville Predators. In what was a dominating Game 6 performance, the Predators eliminated the Colorado Avalanche from Stanley Cup Playoff. It was not easy, or at least as easy fans hoped, but in the end, the Predators won out.

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We can complain about the officiating as it played heavily into the series. There could also be discussion regarding the overly physical play that transpired between the two teams. Several fans have taken to Twitter to express their displeasure for the other team’s play. If we are being honest, both teams committed ridiculous penalties throughout the series. It cost the Predators a game at home. Luckily, they kept their heads on straight for Game 6 and closed out the lowest seed in the Western Conference.

There was plenty of action on the ice to keep things exciting. The opening game brought us the filthiest goal of the entire playoffs so far. Filip Forsberg‘s skill and poise amazed fans across the league.

And, let’s not forget Forsberg slick goal in Game 4.

Now, the handshakes are completed and the Predators move on to Round 2. They will need a complete team effort across the board to beat the Winnipeg Jets. Who played well, and who underperformed against Colorado?

DENVER, CO – APRIL 22: Nashville Predators left wing Kevin Fiala #22 steals the puck away from Colorado Avalanche defenseman Nikita Zadorov #16 in the first period of game 6 of round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Pepsi Center April 22, 2018. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – APRIL 22: Nashville Predators left wing Kevin Fiala #22 steals the puck away from Colorado Avalanche defenseman Nikita Zadorov #16 in the first period of game 6 of round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Pepsi Center April 22, 2018. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

Fiala failing

The depth of the Nashville Predators is second-to-none. There is no argument to be made to the contrary. However, it does not matter if they don’t perform. Against the Avalanche, the second-line of the Predators did not perform well. Especially Kevin Fiala.

On the season, Fiala attained 48 total points, including 23 goals in 80 games. For the playoffs, Fiala gained only a goal and an assist. The goal came during a power play in Game 2. Throughout the series, Fiala never seemed to get on track. He often over-skated or mishandled the puck in open ice, often ending the Predators offensive chance before it started. That does not tell the entire story.

While the Predators won the shot-share battle with Fiala on the ice, the young forward only contributed 13 shots in the series. In Game 3 and 4, he only earned one shot total. The team earned a 2.27 shooting percentage with Fiala playing. Furthermore, opponents gained 10 high-danger chances, scoring on two of those opportunities.

Fiala felt non-existent in the Predators’ opening series. In order to compete in any series to come, Fiala must step it up.

DENVER, CO – APRIL 18: Members of the Nashville Predators congratulate center Colton Sissons (10) following a second period goal during a first round playoff game between the Colorado Avalanche and the visiting Nashville Predators on April 18, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, CO. (Photo by Russell Lansford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – APRIL 18: Members of the Nashville Predators congratulate center Colton Sissons (10) following a second period goal during a first round playoff game between the Colorado Avalanche and the visiting Nashville Predators on April 18, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, CO. (Photo by Russell Lansford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Playoff Sissons

When a player is given a nickname, it is often based the name or how they perform. For Colton Sissons, it is when he plays his best. Thus, the name “Playoff Sissons.” The 24-year-old forward continues to show why he earned the nickname.

Sissons led the Nashville Predators with seven points against the series against the Avalanche. The only game Sissons did not earn a point was Game 5 in Nashville. All three of his goals were scored during even-strength. He led the team in primary-points per 60 minutes (4.71) for the series. Sissons was efficient and effective throughout the series. And it was not just on offense.

Sissons was slotted on the third line with Nick Bonino and Austin Watson. The entire line was magnificent. With six goals gained and only one allowed during 5v5 play, the third line propelled the Predators to victory in the series. They suppressed shots and kept the Avalanche from gaining high-danger chances, allowing only 9 all series.

DENVER, CO – APRIL 16: Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog #92 pushes Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis #4 over his goalie Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros #74 in the third period during the third game of round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at Pepsi Center April 16, 2018. Avalanche won 5-3. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – APRIL 16: Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog #92 pushes Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis #4 over his goalie Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros #74 in the third period during the third game of round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at Pepsi Center April 16, 2018. Avalanche won 5-3. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

Ellis falters

The Predators are lauded for their top-4 defensive pairings. Not only do they commonly play great all-around defense, they often get into the offensive mix and score. Neither was the case during the series against Colorado. And, the worst may have been Ryan Ellis.

On the regular season, Ellis played 44 games but gained 32 points. He also kept opponents at bay, giving up only 11 high-danger goals all season. During the playoffs so far, Ellis has given up 6 high-danger goals on 20 chances. Even Avalanche goal scored during Ellis’s time on ice was in high-danger situations. No other defenseman allowed more shots or goals during 5v5 play in the series.

The defense as a whole struggled offensively. Outside of one player (whom we will discuss shortly), the top-4 defensemen gained 8 total points. All on assists, half of which were secondary assists. Ellis finished the series with 3 secondary assists and no goals on 14 shots. It certainly was not a great showing from the star defensemen.

NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 29: Nick Bonino #13 talks with Ryan Ellis #4 of the Nashville Predators as the waits for play to begin against the San Jose Sharks during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on March 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 29: Nick Bonino #13 talks with Ryan Ellis #4 of the Nashville Predators as the waits for play to begin against the San Jose Sharks during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on March 29, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

No Bones about it

We are starting to see the worth of the Predators’ biggest off-season signing. Nick Bonino played well during the season, but fan expected more from the Stanley Cup Champion. His 25-point season was the lowest of his career when playing more than 50 games. During the series against Colorado, Bonino shined through.

Bonino tallied two goals and three assists during 5v5 situations in the series, best of all Nashville centers. Additionally, he won over 62% of his faceoffs. What is really telling about how well Bonino played was the fact he was deployed in the offensive zone 32% of the time.

The Predators scored 9 of their 22 goals when Bonino was on the ice. He led the Predators in points per 60 (4.76) and individual goals expected per game (1.24) at even-strength. These stats are significantly higher than this season averages.

Compared to his play last year in the playoffs with Pittsburgh, Bonino is excelling. The Predators already have more high-dangers goals this year than the Penguins did last year with Bonino on the ice. With one more goal, Bonino will tie his former team’s output when he played. He is already paying dividends for the Predators.

NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 20: Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators makes the save as Matt Nieto #83 of the Colorado Avalanche battles between Roman Josi #59 and Ryan Ellis #4 of the Nashville Predators in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 20, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 20: Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators makes the save as Matt Nieto #83 of the Colorado Avalanche battles between Roman Josi #59 and Ryan Ellis #4 of the Nashville Predators in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 20, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Cracks in the Rinne wall

This part of the conversation is challenging. Pekka Rinne is one of the best at his position. His consideration for the Vezina trophy is well deserved. However, his play during the first round series against the Avalanche was less than stellar. At least, according to the numbers.

So far this postseason, Rinne has allowed the third most goals of all net-minders. Of all 14 goals allowed, 10 came during even-strength times. His .909 save percentage is 15th best among all playoff goalies. If you look at goalies who have 200 minutes or more in-goal this playoff, Rinne’s save percentage is 10th. When broken down by area, Rinne’s 62.96% in high-dangers chances is the lower of all goalies. His -2.16 goals saved above average ranks 11th.

Even with these stats, I know Rinne is part of the reason why the Predators are moving forward. However, the trend started in the opening round can continue against the Jets. His performance in Game 6 certainly shows improvement.

DENVER, CO – APRIL 22: Austin Watson #51 of the Nashville Predators celebrates scoring a goal against the Colorado Avalanche in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Pepsi Center on April 22, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – APRIL 22: Austin Watson #51 of the Nashville Predators celebrates scoring a goal against the Colorado Avalanche in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Pepsi Center on April 22, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Toothless wonder

No player had a better playoff series for the Predator than first-round draft pick Austin Watson. Why the qualifier? Because most people forget how highly rated Watson was coming into the NHL. While he may be a more physical presence, do not underestimate his offensive skill.

With four goals and three assists, Watson is tied for the team scoring lead.  His 4.44 points per 60 is third best on the team so far, and his 5.19 game score per 60 is second best. Watson earned a point in every game, with only one secondary assist.

Of course, his defense was stellar. He levied 18 hits and blocked 6 shots, leading all forwards. The Avalanche gained 9 high-danger chances, fewest among all forward who played each game. They tallied one goal in those situations. Watson continually showed his importance to the team over and over. If it were not for his play, the Predators may not be moving on in the playoffs.

Next: Preds shutout Avalanche, move on in playoffs

Next up for the Predators are the Jets. It is great to have so many players step up in the first round. However, Nashville will need every player to be at their best during the biggest series in the Western Conference.

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