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Penguins vs. Predators: Game 1 prediction

By Dave Stevenson

Jan 31, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) talks with Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban (76) during a time-out in the second period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) talks with Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban (76) during a time-out in the second period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Who will win the first game of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators? 

The Stanley Cup Finals begin on Memorial Day Monday, May 29. Both the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators have overcome a lot of obstacles to get to this point. The two squads, with different strategies of being built, will square off as one of the NHL’s best offenses takes on arguably its best defense.

Pittsburgh enters the series as the favorites, and rightfully so. The reigning Stanley Cup champions have made it even without star defenseman Kris Letang. They have Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel on their side, so it’s impossible to count them out. Pittsburgh has been here before, so they have a slight advantage due to their experience.

On the other side of the ice, the Predators have the defense necessary to shut down the Pens. P.K. Subban and Mattias Ekholm have shut down Jonathan Toews, Vladimir Tarasenko and Ryan Getzlaf in consecutive series. Roman Josi and Ryan Ellis have made up for a lack of forward scoring outside of Filip Forsberg. Even without star center Ryan Johansen, Nashville gets the puck out of their own zone much more efficiently than Pittsburgh. Pekka Rinne is likely the Conn Smythe favorite at this point.

Next: 10 reasons Stanley Cup Playoffs are better than NBA Playoffs

Prediction

Pittsburgh is at home for Game 1, which definitely helps. The Penguins have been very hard to beat at the PPG Paints Arena this season and postseason. However, the Predators have been extremely good on the road this season. But still, home ice advantage is quite meaningful to Pittsburgh, so expect to see them pull out a win in Game 1. However, a road win on Monday would mean the world to the Predators. But don’t expect it.

Penguins beat Predators 3-2 in overtime.

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