After a disappointing defeat in game 5, the Nashville Predators came back in a big way in Colorado. The Preds took the game 5-0 and advance to play the Winnipeg Jets in the second round.
The Nashville Predators were forced to travel to Colorado following a disheartening loss in game 5. While many fans might have been worried about the recent play from the Preds, the team left no doubt on the ice Sunday night. They took game 6 by a final score of 5-0 and abruptly ended the Avalanche’s season. The Avalanche proved that they were no easy out. However, in the end, they couldn’t outlast the President Trophy winners.
The Predators got the scoring started early in the first period. Ekholm scored off a faceoff seven minutes in. This was a crucial goal, because just moments before Nashville had a goal that was controversially waved off. Instead of showing frustration, the Preds got right back to work and it paid off with a goal.
KA-Boom. #StandWithUs | #NSHvsCOL pic.twitter.com/z5hSQbYVKq
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 22, 2018
Just three minutes later, Austin Watson added to the score with a goal. Colton Sissons did a tremendous job to beat the Avalanche goaltender, but threw his shot of the post. Luckily, Watson was right there to slam dunk the puck into the net. This gave the Preds a two goal lead and they never looked back.
2-0 #Preds! #StandWithUs | #NSHvsCOL pic.twitter.com/wKiiYI55Jc
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 22, 2018
Nashville has yet to show all series that they can play a full a 60 minutes, but the Preds picked up right where they left off in the second period. Only 38 seconds into the period, Filip Forsberg broke down ice on a 2-on-1 situation. Forsberg took the shot and beat Hammond far side.
Off the wing, hot off the twig and Filip Forsberg is going to extend the lead for the @PredsNHL. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/jZdMzv31VY
— NHL (@NHL) April 23, 2018
Nashville still was not done, though. After a good amount of sustainable offensive pressure, the Preds were able to break through once again. Calle Jarnkrok had his shot blocked but retrieved the rebound. He then passed to the open Nick Bonino in the slot who wristed another one past Hammond. If the game was not already out of reach before, it most certainly was now.
The biscuit is just finding the back of the net for the @PredsNHL.@NickBonino adds another to the lead. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/FEa7g7gIzb
— NHL (@NHL) April 23, 2018
The Preds were able to add another goal in the third from Viktor Arvidsson, but the bigger story was Pekka Rinne. He earned another shutout, and, after a shaky start in the playoffs, he has appeared to find his groove. He was not forced to make any out-of-this-world type saves, but the defense played a huge part in that. Regardless, he was poised, positioned great, and made the saves when they counted. Even in game 5 he looked terrific. Neither goal he allowed was his fault and he continued that play into Sunday night.
Rinne will definitely need to keep this type of play up in the second round, as they will face the juggernaut that is the Winnipeg Jets. The Avalanche are a good offensive team. The Jets are a great offensive team. This is another series the Preds can win, but they will have to show much more consistency than they did in round 1.
Mark it in your calendars, everyone.
It's a Second Round match up between the @PredsNHL and @NHLJets. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/3tc8UL4QRo
— NHL (@NHL) April 23, 2018
The second round series has not yet been announced, but will likely start on Thursday, April 26.
