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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: 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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