Keep It Rolling!
The Nashville Predators were able to take Game Three 2-1 in front of a packed Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday night. The atmosphere was electric, and the fans were able to stay into the game even though the Predators were unable to break-through until the third period, down 1-0 until Filip Forsberg’s game-tying goal with 16:05 remaining in the game.
The Predators will need that same type of enthusiasm and vigor from the Loyal Legion tonight as they look to take Game Four and move up 3-1 in the series. The physicality and “chippy-ness” will be ramped up from the Ducks and the Predators will need to match that level of intensity. If the Predators keep skating, use their speed and athleticism to their advantage, there is no doubt that the Predators can remain undefeated on home ice for the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Crash the Net
Much has been said about two sequences of events during the third period that were key to the Predators success in the third period of Game Three and moving forward. During the final period, the Predators began crashing to the net which led to two goals, granted they were called off, but great offensive chances. This must be the strategy for the Predators in Game Three. The Nashville Predators need to take their opportunities, and when given the chance, they need to crash the net to give themselves instances for rebound goals. The perfect pass that the Predators were trying, especially on the power-play, is just not working. Nashville does their best work when they crash the net, use their speed, and look for rebounds. Here is a perfect example of this strategy in action:
Defensive Production
During the postseason, national media has marveled at one specific detail that the Nashville faithful has known for a while now… The Predators defense is outstanding. It may seem redundant and a “Thanks, Captain Obvious” moment, but the defense for Nashville has stepped up leading the playoffs only allowing 1.69 goals against per game. Their marvel has been on their offensive capabilities as a group. Four of Nashville’s defensemen are top 10 in scoring at their position. In Game Three, the Nashville defensive corps out shot the entire roster of the Anaheim Ducks (21-20). With all of this being stated, the Predators need their defense to keep up this pace. The forwards have struggled, at times, in their ability to score, and need the defense to continue scoring at a high pace.
The Nashville Predators will look to continue their winning ways this postseason at Bridgestone Arena as they take on the Anaheim Ducks in Game Four of the Western Conference Finals. The game will be covered on NBCSN or you can listen live on 102.5 The Game. Puck drops at 7:00 pm!
