Winnipeg Jets vs Nashville Predators: NHL Playoffs Preview

By Kyle McCarthy | Apr 27, 2018

WINNIPEG, MB - MARCH 25: Ben Chiarot . (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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WINNIPEG, MB – APRIL 20: Winnipeg Jets fans clad all in white wave towels as they cheer the team on during first period action against the Minnesota Wild in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell MTS Place on April 20, 2018 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Jets defeated the Wild 5-0 and won the series 4-1. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images)

WINNIPEG, MB – APRIL 20: Winnipeg Jets fans clad all in white wave towels as they cheer the team on during first period action against the Minnesota Wild in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell MTS Place on April 20, 2018 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Jets defeated the Wild 5-0 and won the series 4-1. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Anything less than seven games in this series will be a letdown. This is gearing up to be possibly the best series we’ve seen in some time. The two best teams in the NHL are fighting it out, and only one will have a chance to advance.

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I won’t attempt to break down the coaches, as both Paul Maurice and Peter Laviolette, as they do an excellent job on the benches. Most like, any coach in the playoffs is doing well enough. Laviolette won a cup with Carolina about a decade ago.

They’re both veteran coaches. They both know what’s on the line. You can expect a knock-out, drag down series.

I firmly believe the winner of this series will be hoisting the Stanley Cup when it’s all said and done. But what do I know?

The special teams will also play a big part. The Winnipeg Jets need their powerplay to start clicking. Nashville killed off 90% of the penalties they took in round one. That can’t continue if Winnipeg wants to win.

Predictions are sometimes lame and pointless, but hey, people like them. I like them as well, so I’ll take a shot at making one. You’ve already coaxed a Cup winner prediction and a 7 game set out of me, so why not?

Next: Winnipeg Jets Player Power Rankings

You all expect your boy to stick with the plucky kids from Manitoba, but I won’t do that. Home ice matters! And, unfortunately, three points in the regular season means that the Winnipeg Jets won’t have it here. I think each home game looms large, and Nashville prevails in the seventh game. Hey, I hope I’m wrong.