Predators Start 2024 Playoffs in Historic Way, But Can't Take Advantage

The Nashville Predators have made NHL history through the first four games of their playoff series against the Vancouver Canucks. The Predators have allowed just 71 shots on goal in the first four games, the lowest such total of an opening-round playoff series.

Despite the Predators outshooting the Canucks 100-71 in the series and outshooting them in 3/4 games, Vancouver has the 3-1 series lead. Part of this is because the shots and chances from the Canucks have come in better locations. The Canucks have a higher expected goals than the Predators in 3/4 games. Nashville simply can't be expected to score that much by shooting from the perimeter like they have.

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It doesn't even matter if the third-string goalie is in net for the Canucks now. Arturs Silovs can make perimeter saves as well as the next goalie.

The Predators arguably overachieved during the regular season, but could realistically be up 3-1 in this first-round series as well. Without empty-net goals, three of the four games would have been won by one goal, and the other by just two. The Predators have also held the lead in three of the four games over the Canucks, but coughed up leads three times, losing in the games those occurred.

I wouldn't count the Predators out of the series just yet. They are down 3-1, not 3-0. If the Predators can continue to limit shots against, get some higher danger chances of their own, and hold a lead, they have a chance.

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