Blues vs. Predators: Game 4 prediction

The Predators have had all of the answers for anything the Blues send their way, and they have the chance to ride to a 3-1 lead in the conference semifinals.

The Nashville Predators are officially on fire in this postseason, and currently hold a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinals over the St. Louis Blues.

The Predators put together an all-around, stellar performance in Game 2, where they took home a 3-1 win to stay undefeated at home in this postseason. The biggest pieces for Nashville all came on the defensive side, which contributed in all three areas of their game.

In net for Nashville was Pekka Rinne, who continues to shine each time he heads out onto the ice for the Predators. Rinne made 22 saves on 23 shots, and padded his 1.38 goals allowed average in this year’s postseason.

The defensemen have also been on fire for the Predators, and helped shut down the Blues’ biggest offensive weapon: Vladimir Tarasenko. Tarasenko and the Blues didn’t get a shot off until 7 minutes into the second period in Game 3, and only registered one goal on 23 shots throughout the game.

Nashville’s defensive unit has also accounted for most of the team’s offense as well, with at least one defenseman contributing to 12 of the last 13 goals for the team in the playoffs. Defenseman Ryan Ellis has also been hot, tallying a point in six straight games this postseason, with three goals and five assists.

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Prediction: Predators 2, Blues 1

The Predators are the equivalent to the Penguins on the Western Conference side of the bracket. They’ve had a hiccup or two as they’ve moved through this year’s bracket, but seem almost unstoppable in their respective conferences.

Rinne has been incredible in net, their defense is clicking on all cylinders, and the Blues can’t figure out the puzzle. I think the struggle continues for St. Louis in Game 4, and the Predators move to 3-1 in the series.