Stanley Cup Playoffs: Nashville Predators versus Arizona Coyotes preview
Burning Questions
Who Starts For Both Teams?
Goaltending could be a huge factor in this series. So naturally, the big question for this series is which goalie will start for both teams? The Predators would be wise to go with Saros. He doesn’t have much experience in the postseason, but it’s clear he’s the better of Nashville’s two goalies at this point. However, expect the Predators to give him a short leash with Rinne as an option.
The Coyotes have a bit more of a difficult decision. Kuemper is finally healthy, but he’s not that much better than Raanta. It’s nice to have two strong options in net, especially in a short five-game series.
Can The Coyotes Score?
Sure, the Coyotes are excellent at preventing goals against. However, they’re going to need to score some goals to emerge from this series. It’s up to guys like Taylor Hall, Nick Schmaltz, Phil Kessel, and Christian Dvorak to step up against a Predators team that has struggled to score at times this season.
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Prediction
The Coyotes have the ultimate equalizer with their goaltending. However, the team in front of them isn’t nearly as good as the Predators. Kuemper and Raanta should steal at least one game, maybe even two. They’re going to need some help though, and I’m not sure the Coyotes roster will be able to give it to them. Predators in five.