Nashville Predators face the regressing Colorado Avalanche – NHL Preview
The regressing Colorado Avalanche tried hard to stay alive in the playoff contention, but their recent slump gave them a serious blow and forced them out of the playoffs.
As for the Nashville Predators, their hard work paid off as they have now officially qualified for the playoff contention and are looking solid for another victory.
Both teams will play their last game of the regular season on Saturday, April 07, 2012, at Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado.
Here is a look at both teams.
Avalanche
They are ranked at 11th spot in the Western Conference with 88 points after 81 games. Avalanche have lost five out of their last six games with the recent defeat coming against the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets.
Avalanche were under pressure against Columbus right from the start. Blue Jackets scored the first goal of the game in the first period, but Avalanche managed to level the score in the same period. However, Blue Jackets scored another goal to take the lead
back.
Avalanche scored one goal in the second period while Blue Jackets got two. Columbus scored one more goal in the final period to seal the victory, 5-2.
Avalanche’s captain, Milan Hejduk, said after the game:
"It's definitely a disappointing loss. We didn't take care of business like we wanted to do. We didn't play good enough. I felt like we were a little tight at times. It's the end of it."
Predators
They are ranked at fourth spot in the Western Conference with 102 points after 81 games. At present, Predators are on a two-game winning streak with the victories coming against Minnesota Wild (2-1 after shootout) and Dallas Stars (2-0).
Predators have to win their last game of the season so as to earn the home-ice advantage in the playoffs.
Predators’ right wing, Patric Hornqvist, commented on the team’s situation:
"The Saturday night game is going to be huge for us. We were great at home and have been all year. I'm looking forward to Saturday night and I hope we can get a big win and start at home."
Predictions
Predators have an edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
If Avalanche win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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