Nashville at Anaheim

Nashville is a tough team with a winning record both home and away. The Predators rank #12 in the NHL in goals scored, #10 on the power play, and #14 in goals allowed. Nashville showcased that talent and balance in the opener, winning 3-2 at Anaheim as a +140 dog. James Neal, who netted 31 goals during the regular season, scored 35 seconds into Game 1 and never slowed down, registering a game-high nine shots to help Nashville to a 33-29 edge despite playing 3,000 miles from home. The Predators are 10-4 after allowing two goals or less in their previous game. Now the pressure is all on Anaheim, a team that relies on defense, ranked #17 in goals scored. Anaheim has been thin on the blue line with Kevin Bieksa missing the last 10 with an upper-body injury. Fellow defenseman Josh Manson left with an upper-body issue suffered on a hit by Filip Forsberg and his status for Game 2 is uncertain. Forwards Rickard Rakell and David Perron returned from injuries in Game 1, but neither got on the score sheet. Nashville is more than capable of tightening the noose with another upset. Play Nashville.