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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 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.

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