Jets vs. Predators: Game 2 Prediction, NHL Playoff Odds
This game isn’t a must-win for the Predators, but surely they don’t want to be down 2-0 in this best-of-seven series.
Jets vs Predators Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Analysis
Dating back to the regular season, the Jets have won the past two games against the Predators entering this game Sunday evening, but are 5-11 overall in their last 16 games in Nashville. The home ice in this series is also 7-3 in the last 10 games played. Friday’s game one was under the number of 5.5 goals, and there is evidence that it could stay that way in game two. The under is 6-1 in the Jets’ last seven games following a win, while the Predators have played four straight unders overall.
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets took advantage of all their opportunities, scoring four goals on only 19 shots to pace themselves to a 4-1 game one victory. But the major reason for the win, was the play of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck was fantastic in the Jets net, stopping 47 of 48 shots (setting a franchise record for saves in a playoff game). Dating back to games four and five against the Wild in series one, Hellebuyck has allowed one goal on 108 shots. The Jets defence must reduce those shot totals if the team is to be competitive in this series. Speaking of defence, the team blocked a remarkable 26 shots in the game, led by Jacob Trouba who blocked five.
Ben Chariot blocked a shot with the palm of his hand late in game one, and will be evaluated prior to game two on Sunday evening. The line of Paul Stastny, Patrik Laine, and Nik Ehlers totaled 26 points in the final 19 games of the regular season, and they provided another three points Friday evening. Of note, rookie Kyle Connor scored 31 goals during the regular season, leading all first year players in that category, but has yet to score a goal in six post season games. Mark Scheifele scored a pair of goals, and now has six goals in six post season games.
Nashville Predators
When the Predators review the game tape from Friday’s loss to the Jets, they will be happy with the amount of shots directed on goal, but will have to cash in on those opportunities. The Preds controlled the play for the majority of the time with 87 shot attempts, compared to the Jets 39. Entering game one Friday evening, Vezina trophy candidate Pekka Rinne was 11-3 in his last 14 home post season games, but was chased from the net for the second time this post season after allowing three goals on 16 shots. No doubt he’ll start game two Sunday and try to erase that memory.
Of note, Austin Watson who leads the Predators in post season scoring (4 goals, 3 assists) left game one after the first period and did not return. His status is unknown for game two. If Watson is unable to go, the likely replacements would be one of Scott Hartnell or Ryan Hartman who were scratches in game one.
