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Stanley Cup Final 2017: Penguins vs. Predators preview and 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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The Nashville Predators will battle the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals in what should be a very competitive series.

Before the 2016-17 season began, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators were trendy Stanley Cup picks. For different reasons, though, the two teams entered the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs as underdogs. However, thanks to some exceptional performances, Pittsburgh and Nashville are right where everyone though they’d be back in October: the Stanley Cup Finals.

The Predators and Penguins have similar fast-paced styles, but they are built a bit differently. Pittsburgh relies on its elite center depth, led by Conn Smythe contenders Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Jake Guentzel, Phil Kessel and Conor Sheary provide them with secondary scoring. Matt Murray is looking to win his second Stanley Cup as a rookie after winning his first last season.

On the other side of the ice, the Predators are built from the back end out. Pekka Rinne might be the leading Conn Smythe candidate, propelling Nashville through the first three rounds. With star center Ryan Johansen out for the rest of the postseason, the pressure’s on Rinne. It’s also on the blue line, which is among the best in the NHL.

P.K. Subban and Mattias Ekholm have shut down everyone they’ve faced. However, Crosby or Malkin should be their toughest challenge yet. Roman Josi and Ryan Ellis have been extremely productive this postseason. Filip Forsberg has been clutch for the Predators all season. James Neal and Patric Hornqvist will each be facing their former teams, as they were traded for each other in 2014.

Next: Each NHL Team's Biggest 'What If' Moment

Prediction

Both teams are extremely good and this series should easily go to at least six games, most likely seven. Even without star defenseman Kris Letang, the Penguins have been fighting along. It’s tough to bet against a team that trots out Crosby and Malkin, but Nashville’s defensive depth should prove too much a challenge for Pittsburgh. Predators in seven.

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