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Nashville Predators: Subban, Rinne shine in Game 4 road victory

By Corey Francis

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA - MAY 3: Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators makes a save off Mark Scheifele #55 of the Winnipeg Jets in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 3, 2018 at Bell MTS Place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Jason Halstead /Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA - MAY 3: Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators makes a save off Mark Scheifele #55 of the Winnipeg Jets in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 3, 2018 at Bell MTS Place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Jason Halstead /Getty Images) /
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In what was another “must win” game, the Nashville Predators proved their defensive game was top notch, suffocating the Jets to tie the series.

After the mother of all collapses occurred on Tuesday, the Nashville Predators needed a strong, complete game from their team. Their backs against the wall, staring at a possible 3-1 deficit should they lose, Game 4 was certainly a “must win” for the Predators. The offensive power of the Winnipeg Jets continued to be on display in this series, scoring at least four goals in the three games played. The best way to win was to shut the Jets down.

Last night, the Jets were grounded for only the second time at home since late February.

Throughout the game, the Predators clogged up passing lanes and crowded the blue line. Winnipeg struggled to get the puck through the neutral zone and into a strong offensive flow for much of the game. They had their chances, but Pekka Rinne stood talk all night. And, he got a bit lucky, too.

Message received

Coming into last night, the Predators allowed total goals to the Jets. Seven of those came after leading 3-0 after the first period in Game 3. The mental and emotional game of the Predators crumbled like 2007 Britney Spears. They allowed the Jets an inch, and they ran all over the Predators.

Last night, however, was a different story. The Nashville Predators defense was strong throughout the game. Winnipeg gained only 33 total shots on goal, with 28 coming during 5v5 situations. Nashville blocked 9 shots, but rarely gave the Jets a clean look at Pekka Rinne. The Predators defensive play created 10 takeaways and 19 Jet turnovers. Action was controlled by the Predators poke checks in the neutral zone and denying passing all game.

P.K. Subban played his best game of the series, maybe even the playoffs. He made his presence known by several big hits and a laser shot for a goal on the power play. Physical play was the name of the game as the Predators continually took the action to the Jets. Veteran Scott Hartnell took Kevin Fiala‘s spot in the lineup, showing the Predators’ need to battle for the puck and position. His impact was immediate as he and Dustin Byfuglien tangled along the wall early in the game. Additionally, Austin Watson was matched against Mark Scheifele‘s line all night. The two players causing nightmares to the Predators were held to four shots on goal total.

Rinne wall

It was not all easy. The Jets gained 14 high-danger chances in total during the game. Rinne was asked to make save after save, and the Venzina-trophy finalist looked was up to the task. Andrew Copp came up to Rinne during play and shoves the goalie right in front of the officials. No call was made and Rinne did not retaliate this time. Copp didn’t see the ice much after that.

The Jets could not break through the Rinne Wall for the first 58 minutes. Their lone tally of the game came from Patrik Laine during a 6v4 power play with just under a minute to play. Rinne used everything he had to stop the puck, including the knob-end of this stick. In all, Rinne saved all 29 shots faced at even strength, all high-danger chances, and won the game.

Next: Preds need more scoring depth in series

The series returns to Nashville on Saturday with the teams tied at two games each. By winning last night, home-ice advantage favors the Predators. The epic battle we anticipated continues.

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