After a tough loss in the Game 1, the Nashville Predators face a must-win situation today if they want to compete in series.
Coming into the second round, we knew it was going to be a tough series for either team to win. The Nashville Predators competed for almost every moment on the ice, but a couple bad bounces went the way of the Jets. Those bounces led to pucks in the net, something the Predators could not accomplish in Game 1. Even though they won shot-share battles and most every advanced statistical area, the Predators could not score.
Now it is Game 2, and it is a game the Predators must win. No one is shocked the Jets won a game in Bridgestone Arena. It is just fans did not see it being the first game. The pressure is firmly on the shoulders of the Predators. Going to Winnipeg down two games speaks almost certain death to any hopes of winning the Stanly Cup, much less the series.
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The Jets finished the season with a record of 32-7-2 at home, far and away the best in the NHL. Only the Pittsburgh Penguins won 30 games at home. They have not lost at home since February 27, when the Predators scored three unanswered, third-period goals to win. Since then, the Jets have defeated Kings, Ducks, Bruins, and Predators among others at home.
The good news is the Nashville Predators are the NHL’s best on the road. Their 25-9-7 shows their competitiveness on the road. But, can they win two out of three in Winnipeg? It will be a tall task
Projected Lineup
The lineup appears the same as in Game 1. The true concern is the health and availability of Austin Watson. His presence was missed during the second and third period of the last game. All signs show he will be in the lineup today, but no one will know until they hit the ice.
As much as Peter Laviolette will tell us something about his lineup before a game, he just told us it will be the same lineup -- not that he told us for sure that Austin Watson will be playing. I would expect that, though.
— Joe Rexrode (@joerexrode) April 29, 2018
The Predators’ second line showed up on Friday and will need to again tonight. It is the defense that will need to step and win battles around the net, helping keep Pekka Rinne clean. Connor Hellebuyck was stellar in net for the Jets in Game 1, and has allowed only 1 goal in the last 180 minutes. Simply outshooting the Jets and controlling possessions will not be enough. The Predators have to dominate on the scoreboard as well.
Forwards
Filip Forsberg – Ryan Johansen – Viktor Arvidsson
Kevin Fiala – Kyle Turris – Craig Smith
Colton Sissons – Nick Bonino – Austin Watson
Miikka Salomaki – Mike Fisher – Calle Jarnkrok
Defense
Goaltenders
Next: Four takeways from Game 1 loss
Where to watch
Tonight’s game from Nashville will air on NBCSN at 6:00 p.m. Central Time. Fox Sports Tennessee will broadcast full postgame coverage once the game is completed. Fans can also listen to the game on 102.5 The Game in Nashville.