Winnipeg Jets vs Nashville Predators: NHL Playoffs Preview

The Offense and Forward Group

Filip Forsberg is exceptionally skilled. He is one of a select group of players that you watch in the NHL today and can be amazed by the moves they pull off (He’s no Crosby, but he’s impressive). Forsberg led the Preds with 64 points this season.

Forsberg is joined on the top line by Viktor Arvidsson and Ryan Johansen, three of the team’s four top scorers (Along with PK Subban, but more on him later).  Arvidsson, Forsberg, Craig Smith and Kevin Fiala give the team four 20 goal scorers (Winnipeg has five).

The Predators third line of Austin Watson, Colton Sissions and Nick Bonino scored 19 points in the first round against the Avalanche. Okay then. Well, I wouldn’t count on that, but their depth is apparently dangerous.

Both teams are slightly above average in the faceoff circle, but Ryan Johansen is a real difference maker up the middle. Health is an issue for Winnipeg, as Nikolaj Ehlers is battered a bit. Patrik Laine missed time with an illness and Mathieu Perreault and Joel Armia are injured. Not great. Nashville is healthy up front.

They cannot, however, match up with the depth and speed of the Winnipeg Jets, who were second in the league in scoring. Make no mistake about it, at 7th, Nashville can score. Edge: Winnipeg Jets.