USA TODAY International Edition
Predators, Jets go distance after 1-2 finish
The NHL’s second round of the playoffs has only yielded one Game 7, but it is one deserving of the spotlight.
When the Jets play the Predators on Thursday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, it will be a meeting of the league’s top two teams from the regular season. Nashville totaled 117 points, compared to Winnipeg’s 114. That’s 53 wins for Nashville and 52 for Winnipeg.
How close were they? Winnipeg’s goal-differential was +59 and Nashville’s +56.
Both teams have Vezina Trophy finalists in net (Pekka Rinne for Nashville and Connor Hellebuyck for Winnipeg).
Here is our projection on what will happen Thursday.
Why the Predators can win Game 7
❚ When you factor minutes played, Nashville’s Filip Forsberg might be the NHL’s most productive postseason performer this season. Averaging 17:32 per game, Forsberg has generated 15 points in 12 games. His dynamic offensive play fuels the Predators’ underrated offense.
❚ The Predators showed in Game 6 they can tighten the screws on their defensive coverage. Their defensive group, particularly their top four of Ro- man Josi, PK Subban, Ryan Ellis and Mattias Ekholm, might be the league’s best. When you add in Vezina favorite Rinne, the Predators have the ability to thwart the Jets’ powerful offense.
❚ Shouldn’t experience count for something? The Predators should have learned plenty last season when they reached the Stanley Cup Final. This Jets group hasn’t played a game this important.
Why the Jets can win Game 7
❚ Center Mark Scheifele is being Sidney Crosby-like, or Mark Messier-like, or Steve Yzerman-like, in how he is leading the Jets in this postseason. He boasts nine goals and 13 points in 11 games. He has six multiple-point games this postseason. He is leading the charge as if the Jets aren’t going to be denied.
❚ The Jets’ scoring average is one goal better than their goals-against average. The Lightning are the only team scoring, on average, one more goal than they are giving up.
❚ In the three previous games in Nashville during this series, the Jets have scored 14 goals. They are not intimidated playing in the Predators’ lair. They have been a quality road team this season. Prediction: The Predators play the perfect road game, emphasis on stingy defensive play, at home to beat the Jets 3-1.