Nashville one win away from round 2

by Brandt Corbin,

   

            Going into their round one series versus the Nashville Predators the Anaheim Ducks new they’d be in a fight. They knew more nights than not, they’d be outworked but had hoped their top line and power play would be enough. Five games into the series, the Ducks power play has scored 7 goals. They’ve gotten plenty of production from the two top lines but as we go into game six Sunday night they’re on the brink of elimination.

Why you ask? Because the Preds are running and gunning, getting more timely goals when they need it. Game 5 Friday night was a prime example, Nashville was down 2-1, they then got a game tying goal by Joel Ward. Late in the third when down 3-2, Captain Shea Weber scored with 33 seconds left, then Jerrad Smithson won it 2 minutes into overtime.

            To put things into perspective, the win in game 5 was the first win in overtime for the Preds, first game 5 win ever and assures then of at least game 7, something again they’ve never had before.

 

Jordin Tootoo coming out party

            Jordin Tootoo’s original coming out party was the Word Junior Championships about a decade ago. Since then he’s been an average third-fourth line mocker & grinder. With one week left in the regular season, and the Preds not assured of a playoff spot, Tootoo took his game to the next level. Tuesday, April 5 Tootoo had his first ever three point game in a 6-3 win over Atlanta. That combined with his two assist effort in game 5, plus being one of the teams best players in the playoffs proves he’s ready for prime time.

Preds look good going into game 6, Sunday in Nashville

            The scariest thing of all, is that Preds goalie Pekka Rinne has not played even close to his best hockey all year. The Vezina nominated goalie has a less than average 3.57 goals against average with a .865 save percentage. Good thing for Nashville is you know he can take it another notch or two.

             Another reason for two why they’re looking good, is every Nashville skater with the exception of Sean O’Brien has registered a point, 14 of them have goals. The reason why they are so dangerous is they’ve had more guys stepping up then Anaheim does, and its three sometimes four lines each and every night.

            On Sunday for game 6 the Bridgestone Arena is going to be a jumping joint, their team for the first in club history can advance to the second round of playoffs. It could be the start of something special yet to come.