It’s time for Game Two. The Nashville Predators hold a 1-0 lead in their first round series against the Colorado Avalanche on the strength of their comeback win in the lid lifter on Thursday night. The most discussion after the game was not how Colorado may have squandered a chance to shock the number one seed, but a legal hit on Tyson Barrie from Ryan Johansen. That may be exactly what the Av’s want.
They actually had Nashville on the ropes for a little while. They had a solid chance to go up 1-0 in a series that no one (except for this observer) has given them a chance to win. But frankly… they blew it.
And the cover being provided by the Av’s GM Joe Sakic and Denver media is pretty funny. Sakic is working the officials… that happens in a series… he’s hoping to get the next call. Some members of the Denver media are using silly nicknames for Johansen, screaming for a suspension… I guess they need to face it. They don’t have the same power as other markets that can get a suspension on a slightly late hit (yup, still salty on the Forsberg suspension.) It was not an “elbow to the head”… there was no extension of the elbow, it was tucked against Johansen’s body and painfully obvious that it was a body check with the body as the principle point of contact. The fact that Barrie is quoted as saying he “didn’t see it coming” has nothing to do with it… ummm this is the playoffs, keep your head on a swivel.
On to the game today… I expect a much different start from Nashville today. The Predators realize they almost gave away game one and that waking up in the second period is not the way get through a series.
Nashville was good for 30 minutes, they were lucky they weren’t down by more.
So, what adjustments does Colorado need to make in order to come out of Smashville with a split? That’s a tough one… Colorado played an excellent game, they got secondary scoring when their top line was shut down and got adequate goaltending. They need stellar goaltending and for the first line to step up. That’s what Colorado needs in order to avoid an 0-2 hole.
For Nashville… it’s fairly simple. To steal a line from Herb Brooks, play your game. They did that in the third period Thursday night and Colorado had no answers for it. They need Pekka Rinne a little more settled between the pipes… they way he played for most of the second and all of the third in Game One. They mostly need to tap into the experience they have and come out with confidence for Game Two. When the Predators are on their toes and forechecking, they are at their best.
For Pred Nation… my lord… Bridgestone Arena was raucous on Thursday… bring it again. The comments from Av’s players were pretty funny, most of them indicating that Nashville has the best fans in the league, with a very quick and unconvincing qualification of “except for Pepsi Center…”
It’s going to be a fun one today… it’s a 2pm central game time, coverage on NBC and the Predators Radio Network. Weather has cancelled the outdoor activities today.
See you at the Bridge!
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The Playoff Tracker … a daily update of the Stanley Cup Playoffs brought to you by Mark Lonsway - THE real estate professional for hockey fans!
First multi-overtime last night in Vegas, surprising win from Philly in Pittsburgh. Here’s the status
Eastern Conference
Tampa Bay Lightning vs New Jersey Devils – TBL leads 1-0 – Game two is today
Washington Capitals vs. Columbus Blue Jackets – CBJ leads 1-0 – Game two is tomorrow
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers – Series tied 1-1 – Game three is tomorrow
Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs – BOS leads 1-0 – Game two is tonight
Western Conference
Nashville Predators vs. Colorado Avalanche – NSH leads 1-0 – Game two is today
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Los Angeles Kings – VGK leads 2-0 – Game three is tomorrow
Winnipeg Jets vs. Minnesota Wild – WPG leads 2-0 – Game three is tomorrow
Anaheim Ducks vs San Jose Sharks – SJS lead 1-0 – Game two is tonight
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SlapShot Radio's Playoff Preview Show
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Random Notes
- Staying out of the penalty box will be a focus today… the Av’s power play is lethal and every man advantage chance is playing with fire.
- The Predators have a chance to add to the franchise first of this season, a win today will give the Predators their first ever 2-0 series lead at home.
- Not sure if Nashville will change any personnel for today’s game… it was hard to judge from yesterday’s practice.
- Av’s head coach Jared ednar has said he is not making any changes with his lineup.
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