Nashville Predators: Dreams can still come true, but it is now or never
With elimination staring them in the face, the Nashville Predators take the action to Winnipeg. If their season is to continue, winning is the only option.
It is now or never. There are no other options available. Winning extends the season for at least one more game, with hopes of returning to the Western Conference Finals. A loss eliminates the Nashville Predators from the playoffs, ends their season, and leave a bottomless pit in the hearts of fans.
Coming into the season, the Predators was one of the teams considered a contender for the NHL’s ultimate prize. Throughout the year, they climbed the ranks and showed they were truly a team to beat. However, their play in the playoffs is making others call the Predators pretenders for the Stanley Cup. Those of us who consider themselves true fans of the Predators still have hope.
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Rebellions are built on hope. But, so far, the Predators are choking on their aspirations.
Hakuna Matata
Yesterday is done. Game 5 was a catastrophe for the team as a whole. There was not one Predators’ player who played well in the game’s final 40 minutes. None. The same cannot happen tonight. The series is not over. Was it over when the German’s bombed Pearl Harbor? And it ain’t over now.
The Jets are a formidable opponent. In order to win, the entire Predators’ line-up must play. They didn’t in Game 5, which is why they find themselves against the ropes. It has to start with the defense. P.K. Subban is worthy of the Norris Trophy, and he is a great person in the community. During 5v5, he is at an even rating. He is facing the top players of the other team and those players will score from time to time. Game 5 was a poor game in many ways from him, but the team is at their best with him on the ice.
Ryan Ellis and Roman Josi are not providing much in terms of offense. Or defense. The pairing has a total of six points this post-season, but no goals and only two primary assists. They allowed 5 high-danger chances during 5v5 in Game 5, out of the 9 total the Jets obtained. Ellis has the second-lowest goals per 60 of all Predators who played every game.
Also, has anyone put out a missing person report for Kyle Turris? Turris’s individual shots-for per 60 minutes is 3.97. The only two lower than Turris are Matt Irwin and Alexei Emelin. Any help Turris can get from Kevin Fiala and Craig Smith would be great. Oddly enough, Fiala leads the team in high-danger chances per game, but the shots are not going in.
Projected Lineup
The Nashville Predators need a complete game from all players. The top two lines will be deployed as normal, as will the third. Scott Hartnell and Calle Jarnkrok look to re-enter the line-up. They will flank Mike Fisher on the fourth line. As for the defense, the three pairing look to be the same as the previous game. No Alexei Emelin.
Of course, Pekka Rinne will return in net as he is the backbone of the Predators.
Forwards
Filip Forsberg – Ryan Johansen – Viktor Arvidsson
Kevin Fiala – Kyle Turris – Craig Smith
Colton Sissons – Nick Bonino – Austin Watson
Scott Hartnell – Mike Fisher – Calle Jarnkrok
Defense
Roman Josi – Ryan Ellis
Mattias Ekholm – P.K. Subban
Goaltenders
Pekka Rinne
Next: It ain't over, Smashville
Where to Watch
Tonight’s game from Winnipeg will broadcast on NBCSN and begin at 8:30 p.m. Central. You can also listen to the radio broadcast on 102.5 The Game in Nashville.