{"id":28827,"date":"2018-05-11T09:02:23","date_gmt":"2018-05-11T13:02:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=28827"},"modified":"2018-05-11T09:02:23","modified_gmt":"2018-05-11T13:02:23","slug":"nashville-predators-vs-winnipeg-jets-series-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2018\/05\/11\/nashville-predators-vs-winnipeg-jets-series-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Nashville Predators vs. Winnipeg Jets Series Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Nashville Predators<\/a> vs. Winnipeg Jets<\/a> Western Conference semifinal series lived up to its billing of going seven games. However, the ending came as a surprise. The Jets winning in seven games, but the way it came about was.<\/p>\n

Winnipeg was able take advantage of suspect goaltending by Pekka Rinne<\/a><\/strong> to advance to its first Western Conference final since the Jets were reborn. The Jets will take on fellow feel-good story the Vegas Golden Knights<\/a> for the right to play for the Stanley Cup.<\/p>\n

Nashville becomes just another team that won the President\u2019s Trophy that could not win the title. There are already questions about if Rinne is the goalie that can get the Predators over the top.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s look at the three storylines that set the tone for the series.<\/p>\n

Nashville Predators vs. Winnipeg Jets Storylines<\/h1>\n

The Buyck Stops Here<\/h2>\n

Many thought the goalie advantage was in Nashville\u2019s favour but Connor Hellebuyck<\/a><\/strong> proved that he\u2019s one of the top goalies in the league. Hellebuyck is 3-0 with a 2.00 goals against average and .940 save percentage after losses. He\u2019s not lost consecutive starts since March 10th and 12th.<\/p>\n

The Commerce Township, Mich. native is now 7-4 this postseason and capped off the series with a 36-save performance. Not bad for a person that wasn\u2019t drafted in the USHL and NAHL drafts.<\/p>\n

The goaltending questions now shift to the Predators as Rinne was inconsistent in the series. Rinne carried a sub 2.00 GAA in Nashville wins and one above five in their four losses. P.K. Subban<\/a><\/strong> immediately defended the Finnish netminder by calling him the backbone of the team.<\/p>\n

However, the Predators now face a decision on when will Rinne\u2019s expiration date in Music City will be. Juuse Saros<\/a><\/strong> is growing into a solid NHL goalie and is in line for a raise as he\u2019s a restricted free agent in the off-season.<\/p>\n

The Defence Doesn\u2019t Rest<\/h2>\n

Nashville does have one of the best defences in the league, but Winnipeg\u2019s blueliners showed its a force to reckoned with. Dustin Byfuglien<\/a><\/strong> and Jacob Trouba<\/a><\/strong> are already known as top defenders. However, Tyler Myers<\/strong><\/a> has returned to full health and allowed the Jets to spread out minutes. Dmitry Kulikov<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s signing wasn\u2019t celebrated, but he\u2019s been key to the defence.<\/p>\n

Winnipeg was able to use physical play to slow down a fast-paced Nashville squad. Many were concerned that the Jets could be beaten on rushed, but the Predators got limited opportunities.<\/p>\n

Nashville also didn\u2019t get scoring from Roman Josi<\/a><\/strong> or Ryan Ellis<\/a>.<\/strong> Both players were key in the run to the Stanley Cup final last season. The Predators needed a few more goals from the blueline.<\/p>\n

Depth Charges<\/h2>\n

Both teams have great depth and that was on display in this series. Coaches Paul Maurice<\/strong> and Peter Laviolette<\/a><\/strong> were making moves like chess players. Scott Hartnell<\/a>\u2019<\/strong>s inclusion in the lineup gave the Predators a nasty edge.<\/p>\n

Nashville tried many moves like bringing in Mike Fisher<\/a><\/strong> and benching Kevin Fiala<\/a><\/strong>. However, Winnipeg flexed their depth with Kyle Connor<\/a><\/strong> and the acquisition of Paul Stastny<\/a>.<\/strong> The Jets bottom six was key to their victory.<\/p>\n

The Predators will have to figure out if Fisher and the other older players will come back but will have Eeli Tolvanen<\/a><\/strong> in for his rookie season. General manager David Poile<\/strong>\u2019s mission is to find a way past the Central Division foe in order to maximize its Cup-winning window.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Main Photo:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>