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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) /
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 04: Austin Watson #51, Ryan Ellis #4, Roman Josi #59, and Colton Sissons #10 congratulate teammate Nick Bonino #13 on scoring the game tying goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period at Bridgestone Arena on April 04, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 04: Austin Watson #51, Ryan Ellis #4, Roman Josi #59, and Colton Sissons #10 congratulate teammate Nick Bonino #13 on scoring the game tying goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period at Bridgestone Arena on April 04, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

Keys for the Predators

This will be an interesting series between the two teams. Both teams have dominated at points throughout the season, but have also had some times where they struggled. Here are a few keys for the Predators to take this opening-round series:

Must have success on the powerplay 

This is a must for the Nashville Predators. The Predators had a league-worst power play on the year, converting on just 12.9 % of their power plays. In 255 power play opportunities, Nashville has scored just 33 times. To put that in perspective, the Tampa Bay Lightning have just seven more power play opportunities but have scored 74 power-play goals.

Last year, the Predators converted on 21.2 % of their power play opportunities, good for 12th in the NHL. If the Predators can find the success they had last season, it could turn into a good series for the Predators.

Solid goaltender play

Many times throughout the regular season, the Predators were bailed out by their goaltenders. While it might not hurt the Predators in this series, it could turn out to hurt them in later series if they make it that far.

In order for the Predators to advance throughout the playoffs is solid goaltender play. That’s an obvious statement, but it’s something that has hurt Nashville during their previous two playoff runs. Pekka Rinne’s play was stellar throughout the Predators run to the Stanley Cup Finals, but he had a few games during that final series where he struggled significantly, including him being pulled twice. The same thing can be said for the Predators series against the Winnipeg Jets last season. He allowed 21 goals during the seven-game series and was pulled on three separate occasions.

If there is a time in this series, or hopefully the next few series where Rinne hits a patch where he struggles, I wouldn’t be opposed to putting some trust in Saros. Saros has been a great backup goaltender for the Predators and has established himself as someone who the Predators will likely put into the starting spot once Rinne retires. Saros has gathered an impressive 17-10-2 mark this season, which includes three shutout performances. It might not be a bad idea to give Saros a chance this series, especially if the Predators are able to build a comfy series lead.

Contributions throughout the lineup

This has been said time and time again when discussing the Nashville Predators depth. They have some of the best depth in the league, but in order for them to have success, they need to get contributions throughout the lineup. The JoFA line cannot be the only line to contribute throughout the playoffs.

Last season, the Predators got great contributions from their third line, which is something they look to happen this season as well. The third line that consisted of Austin Watson, Nick Bonino, and Colton Sissons starred in the first round against the Avalanche. The third line combined for 18 points during the six-game series, as Watson posted four goals and three assists, while Sissons had three goals and four assists, and Bonino finished with two goals and two assists.

If the Predators are able to get contributions up and down their lineup, they can become a scary team to play against in the playoffs.

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