Game Six. Pressure begins to shift and today is the first true playoff test of this 2017 Predators team. Looking back, the sweep of Chicago was easy, coming back after the game two loss was easy as well, but today’s tilt at Bridgestone Arena… it is the definition of the old saw of “the fourth game is the hardest to win.… Anyone that says they are sure of the outcome today is kidding themselves. We have seen this Nashville team exert its will on opponents in these playoffs and in this series, so we know it can be done, but will it?
At the end of round one, head coach Peter Laviolette said that each round would get harder and when the Predators took a 3-1 lead in this series, a lot of Pred Nation could be forgiven to think that his quote was just coach speak. Now it is clear what he was talking about.
So how does Nashville end this series by nightfall?
Discipline, Discipline, Discipline - Staying disciplined has many benefits, chief among them, frustrating the bejeebus out the Blues. The Predators power play has been highly effective in this series, getting an edge in power plays would be huge. That being said, getting those power plays may be impossible if the officials swallow their whistles.
Speed - The Predators looked like they were skating in mud for large pieces of game five. This team’s speed drives the system they play, it drives their defensive schemes and more importantly, it drives their offense. Speed has driven almost every scoring chance this team has converted in the playoffs. Speed is the towering strength of this team and when they do not use it to their full advantage, they are at risk.
Embrace the Challenge - I have a funny feeling there was a little looking ahead that went on prior to game five. Now they have a larger challenge in front of them because of it. Elevate their game and this series is theirs for the taking. They are the better, more talented team, but that isn’t enough as they were shown on Friday night.
Smashville - There will be over 17,000 crazed denizens of Pred Nation ready to break every noise ordinance in Davidson County… the Predators must feed off that energy. Every TV timeout standing ovation, every icing stoppage roar, every chant… Smashville has hung it all out, the energy and support is there, the Preds must use that as fuel in order to make their home record 9-0 in this playoff season.
So, does the day end in handshakes? We will find out in a few short hours. Good luck finding a ticket for this one, unless you want to take out a second on your house… The plaza party starts at 11am, doors open at noon, game time is 2pm. Coverage on 102.5 begins at 1pm from Barrel House at Bridgestone Arena, Darren McFarland hosts’ pregame. Game coverage begins at 2pm with the Voice of the Predators, Pete Weber. TV Coverage is on NBC, channel 4 locally… Kenny Albert and Pierre McGuire are scheduled for the call.
OK Smashville… it’s time to bring it… and bring it hard.
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Round Two Reset
Eastern Conference
NYR vs OTT – OTT leads 3-2 - Game six is Tuesday in New York
WSH vs PIT – PIT leads 3-2 - Game six is tomorrow night in Pittsburgh
Western Conference
STL vs. NSH – NSH leads 3-2 - Game six is today in Nashville
ANA vs. EDM – ANA leads 3-2 - Game six is tonight in Edmonton
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Playoff Random Notes
- James Neal is heating up, shooting more and scoring in the last two games.
- Give the Blues credit, they have limited the scoring from the JOFA line, but they still are being effective, pitching in assists on defensive goals
- Ticketmaster has two… yes two single seats available online as of 8am… there are some available on the resale market, but the tickets are getting really pricey
- No word on potential play of the Blues Alexander Steen, he made the trip to Nashville. Also no word on Craig Smith, who has been practicing regularly with the Preds but did not participate in yesterday’s optional skate.
- So much for Ottawa being done… great OT win yesterday gives the Sens the lead as they head back to New York.
- annnnd… the rumors of Washington’s demise were overstated… what a third period last night! That series is at 3-2 and heading back to Pittsburgh.
- Two games in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs today – 2pm – STL @ NSH (NBC). 6pm – ANA @ EDM (NBCSN).
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The gauntlet has been thrown down from my fellow blogger in St. Louis, Jason Millen. We will make a small wager on this series… losing team’s blogger makes a donation to the winning team’s blogger charity of choice…
Mine will be Best Buddies of Tennessee… a charity very familiar to fans of the fang…
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