Winnipeg Jets vs Nashville Predators: NHL Playoffs Preview

The Matchup of the Vezina Finalists

The true test of who wins this series will be goaltending. I guess it kind of always is since the team that scores more goals tends to win. That’s a bit of a cop out on my end. But if Connor Hellebuyck plays well, and Pekka Rinne stands on his head, bam, the Winnipeg Jets won’t move on.

Connor Hellebuyck proved in the first round that he isn’t afraid of the big moment. A young goaltender showing he’s up to the task of being The Guy™ in the playoffs is a nice thing. Ask the Penguins about Matt Murray.

The 24-year-old Hellebuyck, who may turn 25 during this playoff run, will be opposed by Pekka Rinne. Rinne, 35, is a Vezina finalist for the fourth time. He’s looking for his first win, but he’s always been rock steady as a netminder.

Rinne was okay in their first-round matchup and carries a .917 save percentage in 76 career playoff contests. That’s, uh, lower than I would have anticipated. It’s still good! But it’s not magnificent. But also, Nashville had a previous history of being knocked out of the playoffs early.

It may have even been his fault. But last year, he held a .930 save percentage in 22 games before Nashville was eliminated in the Stanley Cup Finals. He brought them there before, and you know he’s capable of bringing them back. He might not have the ‘Henrik Lundqvist put-the-team-on-your-back’ ability, but Rinne doesn’t have to.

Rinne has a bit better of a defensive squad in front of him, but that seems negligible. At this point, it could be anyone’s edge and anyone’s Vezina. I’m tempted to go with the Winnipeg Jets having the edge, as Hellebuyck is coming off of two shutouts and a better series. It seems, however, that there’s no clear winner here. Edge: Draw.