Jets vs. Predators: Game 4 prediction
The Winnipeg Jets look to go up 3-1 in Game 4 against the Nashville Predators in the second round of the NHL playoffs.
Connor Hellebuyck didn’t seem to have it going in Game 3 for the Winnipeg Jets against the Nashville Predators. He gave up three relatively soft first-period goals, giving the impression that it just wasn’t going to be Winnipeg’s night.
The rest of the team had his back.
Four second period goals and a Blake Wheeler goal with 4:59 remaining in the third propelled the Jets to a 7-4 Game 3 victory.
Now, people are questioning the goalie at the other end of the ice.
To say Pekka Rinne hasn’t looked like himself in the playoffs would be an understatement. He’s 5-4 in the playoffs with a .901 save percentage and a 3.07 goals-against-average. A far cry from his regular season numbers (.927 save percentage and 2.31 goals-against-average) that landed him on the Vezina Trophy shortlist.
Rinne was pulled in Game 1 of the series after giving up three goals on 16 shots. He gave up four goals in Game 2 and another five in Game 3.
There’s little chance Nashville makes the switch to backup Juuse Saros, but Rinne must re-find his form if Nashville wants to avoid a 3-1 hole.
For Winnipeg, carrying the momentum from Game 3 will be key. They outplayed Nashville in all areas and were only down by three due to Hellebuyck failing to make, for him, routine saves.
The Jets have protected home ice all playoffs, outscoring opponents 19-7 in four games. They haven’t lost at home since Feb. 27.
The Predators haven’t inspired a ton of confidence in the playoffs. They struggled with the Colorado Avalanche in the first round and were the only team out West to be pushed past game five. As mentioned, Rinne has struggled, but they’ve also gotten nothing from Kyle Turris and Ryan Hartman. Both players were brought over mid-season in a move to put them over the top. Defenseman Roman Josi has also been quiet in the playoffs.
Next: Can you even remember the last time the Winnipeg Jets lost at home?
The top players for the Jets are not only contributing, but they could get a boost in Game 4. Forward Mathieu Perreault, who has been out since Game 1 of the first round, looks to be ready to return.
I’m going with the team that has looked better all playoffs and riding high after Tuesday.
Prediction: Jets win 5-2