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Blues vs. Predators: Game 1 Prediction

By David Austin Bumpus

Apr 2, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) flips the puck past St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) during the first period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) flips the puck past St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) during the first period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Game 1 between the Blues and the Predators pits two equally-skilled and equally-hot teams in a huge second round matchup.

The Blues and Predators find themselves on similar paths heading into the second round of the NHL playoffs. Both teams dominated in their opening series, both were led by stellar goaltending throughout and both have huge momentum.

The two teams find themselves on a collision course going into Game 1 in St. Louis on Wednesday night, and something will eventually have to give.

The biggest piece of the series will be the goaltending, as both Nashville’s Pekka Rinne and St. Louis’ Jake Allen put on solid performances in their respective opening rounds. Allen averaged just two goals allowed in the Blues’ five-game series win over the Wild, while Rinne shut out the Blackhawks in the series’ first two games in Chicago, before giving up three goals in the next two Nashville wins at home.

Allen put up a 51-save performance in Minnesota in an overtime win for the Blues in Game 1 of the opening round, and proved that he can carry the team in big spots if necessary. He was rather mediocre in the regular season, however, and his inconsistency could be fatal if this series goes a full seven games. He’ll need to keep up with his pace from the first round if the Blues have any chance to succeed.

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Prediction: Blues win 2-1

The home-ice advantage should play a huge factor in this series, and I think each game will have a one-goal difference. The Predators were dominant in their opening series, and Rinne should perform at a similar level against a St. Louis offense that doesn’t match the star power of Chicago. However, the Blues have been the hottest team in hockey since they put Mike Yeo in charge behind the bench, and I think they squeak by at home in Game 1 to open the series.

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