Paul McCann: And finally... (with apologies to Lin-Manuel Miranda)

As a Ducks fan, I expect a 6-7 game series and even expect the Predators to take one of the first two games. They are a solid team, and Rinne has been a problem for the Ducks in the past. While I predict a Ducks win (of course), I think the Preds have a chance if they can play well on the road. Even if the Ducks were to win in 4-5 games, this wouldn't bode well for them. They need adversity on the way to the Cup (as opposed to last year), and adversity can only come with a few losses (not just getting banged up). The Preds should bring both.

Over under 2.5 periods until Corey Perry does something dirty

I love how every analyst was singing the praises of Nashville down the stretch right up until it lost 3 in a row. One to a hungry Avs team and one to the hotest team on the planet at the moment (Penguins). Losing 3 games is surely the kiss of death when you've gained poitns in every game since January.

Not discounting the Duck's at all and not trying to be a homer, but this is probably the most evenly matched series.

Pirri is probably not available tonight. Perron, Rakell and Bieksa are the three that are expected back.

I expect this to be a close series, going 6 or 7, and really, could go either way. I'm not as confident as the "experts", but I never am. Game 1 will be interesting as the 3 players named above (assuming they play) have been out for awhile, especially Perron and Bieksa. Timing will be off I would think for sure.

What changed for the Ducks (besides the emphasis on defense this year) was the ability to split up Perry/Getzlaf, and to have it work. That's why the health of Perron and Rakell is so important (with them out, Ducks forced to reunite Getzlaf/Perry, and scoring dropped). Once the team traded for Perron, and split the two up, I think the Ducks averaged over 3 goals/game. In practice this week, the two have been split up again. Rakell will be the key I believe.

Win or lose, nothing like playoff hockey.

I love how every analyst was singing the praises of Nashville down the stretch right up until it lost 3 in a row. One to a hungry Avs team and one to the hotest team on the planet at the moment (Penguins). Losing 3 games is surely the kiss of death when you've gained poitns in every game since January.

Not discounting the Duck's at all and not trying to be a homer, but this is probably the most evenly matched series.
- Pig

I agree. This team feels different than past playoff team and I think they are built to make a deeper run than just about any other team we've ever had. But it really all hinges on Rinne. If Rinne shows up, this team has a shot. If not, its over in 5 or less. Ducks are an awesome team and it's their series to lose, but I too think that everyone seems to think this thing is a walk in the park for the Ducks. Just don't see that. Guess we will see starting tonight.

This is going to be fun - For the Ducks to win - stay out of the box and don't get caught on the rush - smart , quick exits on D side of the puck and hard on the dump and chase -

I think Kes goes against Mike R or Bruce could have him against Ryan J. -

If the Ducks also get production from Kes's line with Sif & Cogs that is going to be a problem for the Preds -

Interesting to see who BB goes with in net - I think FA after that Caps road win -

Need to limit Preds on D scoring - if that happens I see a good outlook for Ducks ... if not Preds have real good shot to take the series -

It's so refreshing to come on here and see intelligent and reasonable points of view from both sides about the series. I've stayed away from the posting for the most part the last year because of the stupidity that is thrown around usually. I think it will probably go 6 or 7 and depending on just a few key things from either team they both have a shot.
If you told me I could no longer be a Preds fan and had to pick another team it would have always been between the Ducks and Stars. Stars because of family ties to Dallas and the amount of games I have attended. Ducks because of Selanne and Kariya days and the the 3 or 4 times I have attended games out there I have always enjoyed them plus Duck fans have always been nice when I have visited.

This series is Pekka's to win or lose. I honestly think it's that simple. I don't think anyone knows which Rinne will show up. I haven't been confident with him in next since Fall of 2014. I'm actually more confident in Huts right now.

Oh, and no Tim Peel tonight, so we have that going for us.

This series is Pekka's to win or lose. I honestly think it's that simple. I don't think anyone knows which Rinne will show up. I haven't been confident with him in next since Fall of 2014. I'm actually more confident in Huts right now.

Oh, and no Tim Peel tonight, so we have that going for us.
- Vegas Trotzkies

I think both teams are happy not to see Peel officiating this one.

So… who’s gonna win this series?

The experts say it won’t even be close… according to almost everyone, the Preds are out-gunned, out-manned, out-numbered, out-planned... the entire staff at ESPN.com picked Anaheim, all but three of the staff at NHL.com picked Anaheim. The entire staff at NHL Network picked Anaheim… Analytic experts pick Anaheim... aww hell… why even play the games?

Just give the series to the Ducks… Let’s go home… nothing to see here…

Wait, what? We got to play ‘em… ummmmm... well OK… if we have to.

Let’s get real a second… for just a millisecond… (sorry, couldn’t resist yet another Hamilton reference) This series is a lot closer than the experts would have you believe.
- Paul McCann

Paul, you're making the common mistake of interpreting everyone picking one team to win as the series not even being close. That's not what it means at all. You're taking the predictions personally and overreacting (especially with your dripping sarcasm about going home and not even needing to play the series). Every single expert could think the exact opposite of what you assume and believe that it will be a close series, but if they feel that the Ducks will come out the victor in the end (even if it's in 7 games), that's who their pick will be. The closeness of a series isn't measured by how many picked one team to win relative to how many picked the other. Most people picked the Ducks, but reading into it beyond that is just trying to be offended. Embrace the underdog role and the opportunity to prove the experts wrong, but overreacting and essentially insulting them for not picking your team is going a little too far, IMHO.

I agree. This team feels different than past playoff team and I think they are built to make a deeper run than just about any other team we've ever had. But it really all hinges on Rinne. If Rinne shows up, this team has a shot. If not, its over in 5 or less. Ducks are an awesome team and it's their series to lose, but I too think that everyone seems to think this thing is a walk in the park for the Ducks. Just don't see that. Guess we will see starting tonight.
- jstyle13

They were using Ribeiro as 1c. Offensively he was effective, defensively he was sub par, but now they have Johansen who is a difference maker. Neal has been playing very well. Filip is tearing it up. I think they'll give the ducks a lot more trouble than people are thinking, but I still think Anaheim wins it

Over under 2.5 periods until Corey Perry does something dirty
- benderboots

Ha I'll say in the first 10 min something happens with that piece of poop

Good to see the joke that is NHL officiating being consistent in the playoffs.

Good to see the joke that is NHL officiating being consistent in the playoffs.
- Vegas Trotzkies

Diving. BS call.