Can the Predators beat either Vancouver or Detroit?

With the San Jose Sharks eliminating the Los Angeles Kings Monday night, the Predators await the result of one game that will determine their opponent for the Western Conference Semi-Finals.

Chicago forced Vancouver to play a game 7 Tuesday night after Ben Smith, playing in just his 12th NHL game, scored in overtime Sunday night, extending the series to the final game after having been down in the series 3-0 to the Canucks.

If Vancouver wins, the Predators face the Canucks. If Chicago becomes the second team in as many years to overcome a 3-0 deficit to win a series, the Predators will play the Central Division champion Detroit Red Wings.

Looking at the rosters alone, like the Anaheim series, it will be high-flying offense against the Predators stellar back end lead by Captain, All-Star and now Norris Trophy nominated Shea Weber, U.S. Olympian Ryan Suter and Vezina nominated goaltender Pekka Rinne.

Significance of Ryan Suspension

By now, everyone knows what happened. With under 4 minutes left in regulation, Nashville down by a goal after mounting what was shaping up to be an epic third period comeback, Bobby Ryan stomped on Jon Blum’s foot behind the Predators net. No call was made on the play and Ryan would score the empty net goal to seal the deal for the Ducks.

Saturday afternoon, Ryan was suspended for two games.

The suspension is significant for a multitude of reasons.

Anaheim loses a key component of its power-line for two games on the road. The loss would be more manageable at home with the Ducks controlling matchups, but they won’t have that ability for Games 3 and 4.

Sizing up the series: Preds vs. Ducks

The Predators drawing the Anaheim Ducks in the Western Conference Quarter-finals pits a defensive club against one with an explosive offense. When looking at goaltending, defense, as well as offense there is no question where the Predators come out on top and where the Ducks have an advantage. Pekka Rinne has played 10 games against the Ducks and boasts a 6-2-2 record. Rinne’s goals against average is 2.15 and has a .930 save percentage against Anaheim.

The Ducks will start the series with Dan Ellis in goal. Ray Emery is out with a lower body injury. Jonas Hiller has played backup as of late, but has yet to start a game since playing, and getting chase from the net,  against Nashville  allowing three quick goals in the middle of March.

Ellis, the former Nashville Predator, has only played two times against his former club, once as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightening and the other in relief of Hiller at Bridgestone Arena on March 24th. During those two games, Ellis has a goals against average of 3.43 and a .867 save percentage.

Can Nashville Beat The Ducks?

It took the last day of the NHL’s regular season, but the Nashville Predators finally know who they will face in the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

How will Dan Ellis do against his former team in Round 1?

For the second consecutive year, the Predators face a new opponent in the post season. And for the sixth time, Nashville is looking for their first playoff series win.

Can Nashville beat the Anaheim Ducks?

Like Nashville, the Ducks had a tremendous second half of the season to make their way into a post season position.  Since the start of March, Anaheim went 14-5-0 to finish the season. One of those losses came against the Predators.