Predators Continue Prowl Through the Playoffs

Photo Credit: John Russell/Getty Images

The Nashville Predators franchise has been getting better and better over the course of its brief history. You can read more about that in my March blog posted entitled Predators on the Prowl. This blog post is more or less a continuation of that because tonight, the franchise took the next step. The Predators beat their Central Division rival Detroit Red Wings in five games to advance to the Western Conference semifinals.

This is especially significant for a franchise looking to prove itself as a Stanley Cup contender. Defeating a rival in a convincing manner such as this is impressive to say the least. One of the main reasons why is how consistently the Predators have played on the ice. Pekka Rinne has been a rock in net. In Games 3 and 4, he had phenomenal nights with 41 and 40 saves, respectively. Rinne seemingly thrives under pressure. During the regular season, he was 5-0-2 with a 1.66 goal-against average and .958 save percentage in games when he faced 40 or more shots. Throughout the series, Rinne has been a Sports Center Top Ten staple with his athletic saving ability and dominance as a netminder. In the clinching Game 5, center David Legwand led the Predators attack with an assist and scored the series-clinching goal thirteen seconds into the third period.

These are just a couple of the guys who have stepped up for the Predators this series. The team is playing great hockey throughout their lineup. With Rinne in net, defensemen like Ryan Suter and Shea Weber, and a balanced offensive attack this team is built for a playoff run. What they have lacked in the past is confidence and experience. They have a lot of both right now, and it is evident in how they are playing. It will be interesting to see how the Predators do the remainder of the playoffs. I believe they are capable of making a deep run. These Nashville Predators are serious contenders. If you don't take them seriously, they will make you pay. The Predators are on the prowl, seeking more prey to devour.