I think this will be a very hard matchup for the Preds.
Like, here's the thing... they definitely have some strengths, its just that Van 1ups them or is at par on all of them... but then Van has 1 large strength that the Preds cant match.
1. Saros - top goalie for sure... But Demko is right there with him, maybe 1 or 2 spots higher on a world-class goalie tier list.
2. Josi - top 5, probably top 3 dman in the league... advantage here? ... well, no. Van has the number 1 Dman, maybe number 2 guy in Hughes.
3. Gritty playoff type hard hitting and forechking hockey - Preds are seemingly built for the playoffs! they are 5th in the league for hits, impressive.... But Van has won off of the back of Rick Tocchet type hockey and sits 4th in the physicality department (league hits).
Other areas of focus for the playoffs is special teams, Van has a slight edge on both PP and PK and lastly, who's hot? both teams are about 500 clubs over their last 10 games.
so how do the preds win this? i just dont see it...
Van is at par or edges them in most areas....and has 1 strong advantage not yet discussed. Center depth.
Jt. MIller, Petey, Lindholm Bluegar - this is where they have a definite advantage. Linholm playing with Garly and Joshua - how do the Preds match that when their best checkers are playing against Millers or Petey's line?
I get it, the game is played on the ice, not on roster or stat sheets...so anything can happen but at this point, based on what we can see here. I change my decision Canucks in 5.