The Nashville Predators checked almost every box in their plan for Game 1 in their series against the Winnipeg Jets. They started fast, continually challenged the Jets defense, and avoided getting called for penalties. Everything was executed to near perfection. With the Bridgestone crowd energizing the team, the stage was set for a big opening win. The goals never game and the Predators lost Game 1.
Now, Nashville faces a challenge. If the objective is to stand victorious at the end of the series, winning tonight is imperative. A loss does not end the series, but it severely impedes all progress.