Winnipeg Jets at Nashville Predators

Round 2 is set to begin tonight and we have a fantastic matchup in front of us. It’s a shame this couldn’t have been the Western Conference Finals since we have two great teams in action. The Predators finished the season with 117 points, while the Jets ended with 114 points, which were first and second most in the league. This is going to be one hell of a series, and we should be in for no less than six games. If you love playoff hockey, strap in, because this one is going to be a wild one over the next two weeks. Both of these teams had an easier time in the first round, the Jets won in five games, while the Predators won in six games. Both teams are rested and will be ready to go for this one.

Game Play Predictions

 

Winnipeg Jets

  • The Jets have scored three or more goals in three of their five games this postseason, while only allowing nine goals.
  • The Predators allowed the second-fewest goals in the league this year, presenting a very tough task for this powerful Jets offense.
  • The Predators have seven players who scored three points or more in the first series, meaning they have multiple players who can contribute.
  • Jacob Trouba, Patrik Laine, and Dustin Byfuglien have all taken 15 shots or more in the playoffs.
  • The Jets averaged 33 shots on goal per game, while the Predators averaged 35 shots per game.
  • The Jets only took 15 minor penalties in the first round, which was third fewest, and now the best out of any team remaining.
  • Mark Scheifele led the team with four goals, two of which came on the power-play, so look for that consistency to continue.
  • Patrik Laine and Tyler Myers each had two goals in the first-round, but we should see Laine continue to produce the offense more consistently compared to Myers.

Players To Watch

Mark Scheifele – He is their best offensive player and seeing time on the first forward line and the first power-play, so the ice time will be there for him to make an impact. Plenty of shots and production throughout the game makes him dangerous.

Dustin Byfuglien – led the team with 25 hits in the first-round, and he will continue to be a very physical player for the Jets, as he will need to be against this powerful Predators offense. He is also on the first power-play, so the offensive upside is there for him.

Connor Hellebuyck – He is giving up under two goals per game this postseason and had two shutouts in the first-round. This will be the biggest test of his young career, and the Vezina Trophy finalist has to prove why he should be considered among the elite netminders.

 

Nashville Predators

  • The Predators had six players record five or more points in the first round, with two up at seven points.
  • Austin Watson, a third line forward, who doesn’t see time on the power-play, led the team with four goals and seven total points.
  • Filip Forsberg was tied for the team lead, also with four goals, and should be the one to continue that scoring trend before Watson.
  • The Nashville power-play only scored twice in 19 chances, making it the worst of any team moving on to the second round
  • Nashville took 27 minor penalties in the first round, which was most out of any Western Conference team, a trend which needs to change or they are in for a rough series vs. this powerful Jets offense.
  • Nashville loves to shoot the puck, as they have eight players who took 13 or more shots on goal in the first round.

Players To Watch

Pekka Rinne – Rinne gave up two or more goals in five of their six games in the first-round. That isn’t solid and will need to see a full team effort on defense to limit the scoring chances. He has to step up for them to keep this a close series.

Filip Forsberg – He was tied for the team lead in goals, a trend which should continue. He is on the first forward line and the first power-play unit, so plenty of ice time for him to make an impact.

Roman Josi – He averaged over 25 minutes of ice time per game, on the first defensive pairing, the second power-play, and simply a tank for the Predators blue line. Expect an all-star level showing from him in this series, as he will be tasked with shutting down the Jets top line.