Game Two… the Chicago Blackhawks have been there, done that. They know that losing tonight reduces their chances to win this series to less than 13%. They know that tonight is a close to a must win that any non-elimination game can be. The Predators are aware of this as well.
Defining moments come from these types of opportunities.
For the second consecutive season, the Nashville Predators have an opportunity to take a 2-0 lead on the road, seize control of this series and put the favorite behind the 8 ball. To do that, they cannot be satisfied with the win on Thursday, the quotes from yesterday’s practice indicate that… execution needs to be better, even better in the faceoff circle, even better on giveaways.
Oh… and even better on offense… expecting to win every game 1-0 is recipe for early tee times. More shots and not necessarily perfect ones, only 4 shots in the second period won’t cut it. Scoring chances are key… they know they can play better and I expect them to elevate their game.
Game time is 7pm central on NBC, channel 4 in Nashville. Radio coverage begins at 6pm with pregame, Pete Weber and the Coach Brent Peterson have the call on 102.5 the Game.
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Playoff Status
Eastern Conference
Washington vs. Toronto – WSH leads 1-0 – Game 2 – tonight in Washington
Montreal vs. New York – Series tied 1-1 – Game 3 – tomorrow in New York
Ottawa vs. Boston – BOS leads 1-0 – Game 2 – today in Ottawa
Pittsburgh vs. Columbus – PIT leads 2-0 – Game 3 – tomorrow in Columbus
Western Conference
Chicago vs. Nashville – NSH leads 1-0 – Game 2 tonight in Chicago
Anaheim vs. Calgary – ANA leads 1-0 – Game 2 – tonight in Anaheim
Minnesota vs. St. Louis – STL leads 2-0 – Game 2 – tomorrow in St. Louis
Edmonton vs. San Jose – Series tied 1-1 – Game 3 – tomorrow in San Jose
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Playoff Random Notes
- The Preds announced the extension of their affiliation agreement with the Milwaukee Admirals for another five years yesterday at a presser in Milwaukee.
- Peter Laviolette said that he expected a better game from Calle Jarnkrok after he knocked the rust of a five game break due to injury.
- 50+ save losses are becoming a norm in this year’s playoffs… Henrik Lunqvist had one last night.
- Two shorthanded goals for Edmonton last night… and Cam Talbot with his first playoff shutout.
- The Minnesota Wild are in trouble... thanks Mr. Obvious.
- Home teams went 3-1 last night… Canadian teams won both their games last night
- Four games in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs today, all times CST – 2pm - BOS @ OTT (NBC). 6pm – TOR @ WSH (NBCSN). 7pm – NSH @ CHI (NBC). 9:30pm – CGY @ ANA (NBCSN).
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