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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our picks for the Winnipeg Jets vs Nashville Predators series.
Todd Cordell
I think this series will be a long one regardless of which team comes out on top but I like the Jets.
Most of every game, especially come playoff time, is spent at 5v5 and the Jets appear to have the advantage there – even if it's small.
Over the last 20 regular season games, Winnipeg controlled a larger percentage of the shot attempts and chances than Nashville. The same held true in the opening round.
On top of that, the Jets were also the better 5v5 team during their head-to-head meetings this season.
Regular season H2H numbers may not mean a ton – injuries, scheduling, etc. all factor in – but, as division foes, they probably played enough for them to mean *something*.
Nashville is also the most undisciplined team in the league. They took 403 penalties, which was 32 more than the next closest team (Anaheim). Penalties remained an issue in the opening round with the Predators taking 29 minors in six games. The Jets have more than enough talent to make the Preds pay should they continue parading to the box.
If the refs are lenient, I lean towards the Jets. If they aren't, my confidence level rises. Either way, I like them to pull off the upset and take out the NHL's No. 1 seed.
Mark Paul
Can this series just play eight games like Canada/Russia in 1972? The more games the better! I truly believe it would come down to the eighth game anyways...
Winnipeg has the best forward group in the NHL, and Nashville the best defense. The goalies are a wash since both have been as good as anyone this season. Ultimately, what will make the biggest difference in this series will be penalties.
I worry that Winnipeg's aggressive style may result in one too many chances for Nashville's power play. With that said, if everything in special teams is relatively even I have to lean towards Winnipeg since they're more stacked up front.
Nashville will wear down in this series and the Jets will take this one in six games and win the series in Winnipeg. However, if the series does go to seven games, I give the nod to Nashville winning in their barn.
Peter Tessier
Who wins this series is who stays healthy and which goalie players better. There. Go take that and do something with it.
These two teams are so freaking similar it's scary and the thing that will matter most if the Jets are to win is can they keep their shot rate at the level they are.
Jets in 7 even though I bet on Nashville in my pool. So 7 games by 6 goals a game, so 45 goals total.
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