Blues vs. Predators: Game 3 prediction

The Blues tied the series at one game apiece after Friday’s Game 2 at home, but the Predators head back to Nashville looking to bounce back from the loss.

The St. Louis Blues found their missing links in Game 2 against the Nashville Predators, and proved just how important their stars truly are to their lineup.

After a 4-3 loss at home in Game 1, the Blues finally received some production from arguably the biggest piece to their offensive puzzle: Vladimir Tarasenko. The forward scored twice in Game 2, including the game-winner with about four minutes left in regulation to push the Blues ahead. Tarasenko had been almost nonexistent in the last few games for St. Louis, and the team will surely welcome his return to the Blues’ box score.

Another key performer who rebounded from his Game 1 performance was Blues goalie Jake Allen. Allen had 22 saves in net for St. Louis on a Predators team that registered just eight shots on goal in the first two periods. Allen made 14 saves in the third period alone, and faced just 24 shots all game.

The key for the Predators to come back on Sunday afternoon will be their ability to launch shots on net. They proved in the opening period of Game 2 on James Neal’s deflected goal that when pucks are shot on goal, some luck will bounce your way eventually. They’ll need to make Allen work, who had an easy night Friday, in order to have a chance as they return home.

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Prediction: Predators 3, Blues 1

The Predators proved that they are a dominant team at home when they swept the Blackhawks in the first round, and Sunday should show the same result. As long as Nashville’s offense can get back to their production from their five previous wins this postseason, and Pekka Rinne bounces back in net, the Predators should take the lead back in this series.