Predators vs. Avalanche: Game 1 Prediction

The NHL Stanley Cup playoffs are here. The Colorado Avalanche will take on the Nashville Predators in Game 1 of what looks to be an exciting series between division rivals.

Game 1 of the Round 1 series between the Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche will start on Thursday in Nashville. Nashville comes in as the Central Division winner and the No. 1 seed.

Colorado is the second wild card and eighth seed. The Avalanche will be coming off a victory in the regular season finale that landed them the final spot.

The Predators once again were dominant in the Central Division. They had another stellar season, earning the Presidents’ Trophy, and look to bring that momentum into the playoffs. The Avalanche have surprised many this season as they made a big turnaround from last year, from being the worst team to a playoff contender.

This will be a high intensity game between the two teams, who see each other a lot in the regular season. The Predators have four good lines and great defensive core. The Avalanche are a young team with plenty of talent and they improved themselves a lot. Nathan MacKinnon has had another good season, leading the team in goals, and captain Gabriel Landeskog provides the leadership necessary in the playoffs.

The Predators, on paper and in the standings, look like the better team and they want to erase how last year’s playoffs ended. It looks like this game will be a high scoring game — each team has the ability to score on multiple lines.

Nashville won its last 10 consecutive games against the Avalanche. And the Predators are scary all the way around, featuring good offense, good defense and they are just plain confident.

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The score of this one will be close and more than likely high. But as expected, the Predators will pull it out.

Game 1 Prediction: Predators defeat the Avalanche 4-3

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