For the most part, the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs was nothing but easy for the Nashville Predators. As a matter of fact, this entire season was nothing but easy for the Preds, but they were able to come through and clinch a playoff spot.
It is evident that the Preds have struggled to get to where they are at now. But one thing is certain: the Preds are more than happy to be back in the playoffs. Not only that, but they are looking to head all the way into the Stanley Cup Finals so they can win Lord Stanley.
Consequently, that’s not an easy task to carry out. So, at this point, the Preds have had many good times and many bad times in the last five playoff matchups against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Nashville Predators Playoff Game Review
Game 1 on the road against the Canes was ugly for the Preds. They were defeated 5-2. Despite the loss, the Preds were confident that they could come back strong in Game 2 and tie the series up.
That didn’t happen, as the Canes baffled the Preds, this time shutting them out in a 3-0 defeat. Game 3 was when the Preds made their statement and won. It wasn’t an easy win by any means, though. It took double overtime to settle that match, giving the Preds a crucial 5-4 win.
In addition, Game 4 was sort of a repeat of Game 3. The Preds took that win also in double OT, winning 4-3. That certainly wouldn’t end up being the case Tuesday night, as the Preds suffered another loss to the Canes, losing in OT 3-2 to conclude Game 5 of the series.
This loss means the Preds are on the brink of elimination. They have just one more opportunity to keep their playoff hopes alive. They face the Canes tonight (Thursday, May 27) in what is sure to be a game full of intensity.
The good news for the Preds is that Game 6 will be at Bridgestone Arena. The Preds will likely appreciate that this possibly season-ending match is at home, since they will have plenty of support from their fans.
How the Preds Can Survive the Playoffs
The answer seems simple enough, right: just win Game 6 and the Preds can at least keep their playoffs alive.
If the Preds force a Game 7, they will still be fighting to stay in the playoffs. So, they will have their work cut out for them.
But there’s more to this situation than “just win the game.” The Preds will need all hands on deck (or all skates on ice) to put in a 110% effort.
The Preds have a good set of players on their hands that are capable of doing their part, so there shouldn’t be any problems there.
As for goaltending, Juuse Saros has been working pretty hard to make as many saves as possible. The 26-year-old netminder seems like a true hero for the Preds right now.
He has been making saves from left to right just to keep the Canes at bay from scoring. It has worked for the most part. Of course, there are times where it hasn’t, considering the amount of goals the Preds have given up during their losses.
But the most critical component of this playoff matchup for the Preds is playing hardcore offense and defense. It will be tedious work, but the Preds will need to give the Canes a hard time scoring and a hard time defending so the Preds can come out of Game 6 with a win. This definitely applies to Game 7 should the Preds pick up a win.
The Preds will need to give it their all and play like this could their be their last game, because it literally could be.
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