The San Jose Sharks looked lackluster before they absolutely exploded with five goals in the third and final period of Game 1 against the Nashville Predators. The Preds looked like they had they defense in order throughout most of the game before floundering in the last period.
Can Nashville recover to steal home ice advantage? Or will the Sharks start hot after their monster third period last time out. Read on as we take a look at Game 2 of this exciting Western Conference Semifinal matchup.
Get plenty more hockey action with our complete preview for the Blues vs. Stars Game 2.
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Predators vs. Sharks Game Two Round Two Preview
Where: SAP Center – San Jose, CA
When: Sunday, May 1, 2016, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Nashville Predators (+145) at San Jose Sharks (-165); total: 5.0 – view all NHL lines
TV Broadcast: NBCSN
Betting on the Nashville Predators
The Preds had just one day off after their Game 7 triumph in Anaheim. They knew that slowing down the pace could help keep the San Jose Sharks in check after a timely layoff. Nashville took just one penalty through the first two periods, but allowed two power play goals in the third. But they also found their own opportunities on the man advantage, scoring on one of two power plays in Game 1.
The Preds can benefit from their duo of excellent defensemen. Shea Weber and Roman Josi have been excellent playmakers this postseason. Weber has two goals and three assists for the Preds, while Josi is just a step behind with four assists. Having them on the attack should help the Preds’ offense take advantage of Jones’ relative inexperience.
Don’t expect Rinne to struggle again. He had been solid against San Jose before allowing three goals in Game 1. He won both of his regular season starts against the Sharks with a 1.50 GAA and .941 save percentage. Expect him to make the necessary adjustments this time around.
The total has gone under in seven of Rinne’s last 10 starts at San Jose. Think the Preds can turn it around? They have plenty of value at +260 to win this series.
Betting on the San Jose Sharks
What’s not to like about these Sharks? They started slow after an extended layoff due to winning in just five games in the first round of the playoffs. But when they got hot, they blew the roof off the SAP Center. They scored five goals (two empty netters) in the third period to rally past Nashville 5-2 in Game 1.
The power play remains San Jose’s most dangerous weapon. They have converted 29.2 percent of their power play chances in the playoffs. They have gone 5 for 7 in their last two home games. The Sharks will be better served if they push the pace and play a physical game against Nashville. They could earn plenty of power play opportunities if the Preds lose their cool and commit penalties on the road.
Tomas Hertl and Logan Couture each had a power play goal in Game 1. Joel Ward also scored, while Tommy Wingels and Couture added empty-netters to seal the deal. The offense should remain clicking after the Sharks shook off the rust late in the first game.
The Sharks could also hold their own with Martin Jones between the pipes. He stopped 29 of 31 shots in Game 1. He’s been excellent at home, winning three of his last four starts at SAP Center.
The Sharks are gunning to take it all. They’re +175 to win the Western Conference.
Writer’s Prediction
The Preds (+145) tighten their D as they take a 2-1 victory to even the series.
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