Tenn Truth
Fansided

Previewing the Nashville Predators – Dallas Stars First Round Matchup

By Stetson Marlin

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 04: P.K. Subban #76, Mattias Ekholm #14, and Viktor Arvidsson #33 of the Nashville Predators congratulate teammate Ryan Johansen #92 on the game winning goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the final seconds of the third period at Bridgestone Arena on April 04, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 04: P.K. Subban #76, Mattias Ekholm #14, and Viktor Arvidsson #33 of the Nashville Predators congratulate teammate Ryan Johansen #92 on the game winning goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the final seconds of the third period at Bridgestone Arena on April 04, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 26: Tyler Seguin #91 of the Dallas Stars waits for a faceoff in the third period of a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on February 26, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Stars 4-1. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 26: Tyler Seguin #91 of the Dallas Stars waits for a faceoff in the third period of a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on February 26, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Stars 4-1. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Players to Watch for

Tyler Seguin – 80 points; 33 goals, 47 assists

Tyler Seguin has been one of the best skaters for the Dallas Stars over the past few seasons. He led the Stars in points this season, totaling 80 points in 82 games. Not only did he lead Dallas in goals scored, but he also led the team in assists as well.

After a five-game goalless streak, Seguin added two goals in the regular season finale against the Minnesota Wild.

The Predators will have to keep an eye out for him all series long, as he’s scored multiple goals in nine different games this season. Seguin has a decent bit of playoff experience, including three appearances with the Boston Bruins and two appearances with the Dallas Stars. In his seven career playoff games with the Stars, he’s posted just three points.

In order for the Predators to advance, they will need to slow down the production of Seguin.

Alexander Radulov – 72 points; 29 goals, 43 assists

Alexander Radulov, a former Predator, has been one of the better players for the Stars the last two seasons. Radulov was signed as a free agent going into last season and has been one of their leading scorers ever since. He’s posted 72 points apiece during the last two seasons, which includes 27 goals last season and 29 goals this season.

Radulov has been a key skater for the Stars on the powerplay, as he’s posted seven powerplay goals this season, good for third on the team. 16 of his 43 assists have come on the powerplay as well.

Like Seguin, the Predators will need to keep an eye out on Radulov, as he’s a threat to score every time he’s on the ice.

Ben Bishop – 27-15-2 record, .934 save %

The Stars have had excellent play from their goalies this season. Ben Bishop has looked stellar in net all season long. He has posted a 27-15-2 record, including a 13-3 record in his last 16 appearances. He pulled off a six-game win streak during the middle of March that helped the Stars establish a playoff spot.

https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1115299544185606144

As you can see by NHL’s tweet, Bishop has been outstanding in goal throughout the year. He led the league in Goals Against Average with a 1.98 mark. He also led the league in save percentage with a .934 mark.

Bishop has faced the Predators just once this season and suffered a 5-4 defeat, as he stopped 29 of the 34 shots.

If the Stars were to yank Bishop at any point this series, Khudobin has had a good bit of success against the Predators this season. He has a 2-1-1 mark against the Predators and has saved 150 of the 158 shots in those four games.

Home/Nashville Predators