Predators Outmatched vs Avalanche, Trail Series 2-0

The Nashville Predators have been clearly outmatched through the first two games of the playoffs.

In their Western Conference First Round tilt with the top-seeded Colorado Avalanche, the Preds have been unable to keep up. Game 1 was a nightmare that Nashville would like to pretend did not happen, as they conceded five goals in the first period and seven in the game.

With no Juuse Saros in goal, the Predators got a horrific start in that first contest from David Rittich before rookie Connor Ingram impressed in relief. He stopped 30 of the 32 shots he faced and earned the start in Game 2.

The Avs were once again too much for the Predators, as Ingram had to make 49 saves in the game. Thanks to the 25-year-old, Nashville was able to get Game 2 to overtime, but Cale Makar would seal the 2-0 series lead with his overtime tally.

The Predators are struggling to keep up with the Avalanche.

Ingram’s elite performance is certainly a bright spot for the Preds, but when even his performance isn’t enough to steal a game, it might be panic time in Tennessee.

Colorado launched 51 shots on goal compared to only 26 for Nashville on Thursday. The great skating and offensively ability of the Avalanche kept the Predators on their heels, and it feels as though there is little the Preds will be able to do as they prepare to return home for Game 3.

Defenseman and captain Roman Josi, who is coming off of an incredible 96-point regular season, has one point and is a minus-one through the first two games. If his club is going to climb back into this series, it will have to start with him.

Of course, it will take more than a great game from Josi or another game-stealing effort from Ingram to help the Predators. The crowd will need to be a factor, special teams will need to improve, and the game plan needs to be revamped for this team that hasn’t appeared to belong on the same ice as their opponents through two games.

Nashville will attempt to cut Colorado’s series lead on Saturday afternoon when they return home for Game 3.