(WC2) Predators at (1C) Avalanche
21:30 ET; TNT, SN360, SNE, TVAS, ALT, BSSO
Colorado leads the best of 7 series with 1-0
Connor Ingram will make his first start in the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the Nashville Predators will try to rebound against Colorado Avelanche in Game 2 of the first round of the Western Conference at Ball Arena on Thursday.
Ingram conceded two goals in 32 shots in David Ritic’s relief in a 7-2 loss in Match 1 on Tuesday, after Ritic conceded five goals in 13 shots in 15:04. Every goal conceded by Ingram came from a teammate.
“He seemed calm there, so we will give him the opportunity to play,” said Predators coach John Hines.
Ingram made his first three starts in the NHL this season, making 1-2-0 with 3.71 goals against the average and 0.879 percent of the save.
Predators goalkeeper Juuse Saros is out with a lower body injury. He skates without pads and may return for Match 3 in Nashville on Saturday.
“There is a possibility,” Hines said. “It’s still in the works. I wouldn’t rule it out at this point.”
Hines said Jeremy Lawson will replace Matt Benning in defense, and the Predators have yet to decide to change the lineup at the front.
Striker Andrew Collano will not play, but Avalanche coach Jared Bednar declined to say who will replace him. Cogliano left with an upper body injury in the second period of Game 1, but participated in the morning skating on Thursday.
Here are 3 game keys 2:
1. Start strong
The Predators want a better start after falling behind 5-0 at the start of Match 1.
“Of course, a little pinch,” said Predators defender Mark Borowiecki. “I think it’s a bit of a shock to the ego as a group and as individuals. But you can go in one of two directions based on that. It’s either slipping your lips and regretting and puffing about it, or saying, “Hey, let’s put a little chip on our shoulder.”
The avalanche wants to put the Predators on its heels again.
“They will come ready to play as soon as the puck falls,” Bednar said. “I’m sure they will talk about overcoming the storm at the beginning of the match. I would like to go out and start exactly the same.
2. Be disciplined
Predators want to be physical and can accept penalties for aggression during the game, but should avoid penalties from games such as high sticks after the whistle and collars in front of the net.
“These are correctable mistakes,” Hines said.
If the Predators lose their discipline, Avalanche must keep his and win the money from the game of force. They scored two goals in power play with five chances in Game 1, including one in 5 of 3.
“We don’t need to get involved in all the fights after the whistle,” Bednar said. “I mean, you have to stand up for yourself, but our boys have been instructed [that] if we have the opportunity to just skate, then we will do it. This is not about the ego. It’s about victory. “
3. Focus on protection
Avalanche’s offensive attack begins at their own end.
“The conversation in the hall is not about how we will necessarily score goals,” said Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog. “It’s about how we will defend ourselves and how quickly we will connect quickly [defensive] zone. For our team, that means good chances to attack. “
Predators estimated composition
Philippe Forsberg – Michael Granlund – Matt Duchamp
Luke Kunin – Ryan Johansen – Philippe Tomasino
Jacob Trenin – Colton Sisson – Tanner Jano
Nick Cousins - Michael McCarran – Mathieu Olivier
Josie’s novel – Dante Fabro
Matthias Eholm – Alexander Carrier
Mark Borowiecki – Jeremy Lawson
Connor Ingram
David Ritich
Scratched: Ben Harpour, Ellie Tolvanen, Matt Benning, Philip Myers, Matt Luff
wounded: Juuse Saros (lower body)
Avalanche forecast composition
Valerie Nichushkin – Nathan McKinnon – Miko Rantanen
Gabriel Landeskog – Nazem Kadri – Arturi Lehkonen
Andre Burakowski – JT Compher – Nikola Obe-Kubel
Logan O’Connor – Nico Storm – Darren Helm
Devon Tows – Cale McCarthy
Samuel Girard – Josh Manson
Bowen Bayram – Eric Johnson
Darcy Kumper
Pavel Frankuz
Scratched: Jack Johnson, Alex Newhook, Ryan Murray, Curtis McDermid
wounded: Andrew Coliano (upper body)
Status report
Lawson (lower body injury) will play for the first time since April 16. … O’Connor can replace Knee; he has one assist in seven NHL playoff games
Add Comment