Preds Have Another Level as Series Shifts to Denver

In the small sample size that is two games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, dramatic assessments get made and harsh lines drawn.
The Nashville Predators can play much better. The Nashville Predators also have a 2-0 series lead for the third time in franchise history.
It's not an expectation built on illogical dreams, the Preds have put forth more dominant performances earlier in the regular season, for example. But there's also something to be said for putting in the work and getting two wins on home ice to start the postseason.

Nashville Head Coach Peter Laviolette says he thinks there's been a narrative outside of his team's locker room that beating the Colorado Avalanche "would be easy." The Preds don't see it that way, and for that reason they're not brushing off a 2-0 series lead even while not playing what some would deem their best hockey.
"We're just trying to be better every game and build into becoming where we were at last year when things were really flowing," Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm said. "We're just trying to work hard every game and get better every game. Even though we are winning, I don't think we're satisfied at all. We're just trying to play our game."

Rocky Mountain High Colorado:
What challenges will Game 3 present for the visitors? Renewed vigor from the Avalanche, shortness of breath due to the high altitude and the inability to choose personnel matchups at a stoppage in play.
In Games 1 and 2, Laviolette primarily deployed his third line, centered by Nick Bonino, to slow down Colorado's top trio, featuring Nathan MacKinnon. He won't have that luxury as often at Pepsi Center.
Which is why Nashville's balanced scoring and consistent defensive play across four forward lines and three defensive pairings will become even more important.
"That's been a key throughout the whole regular season, too. I feel like the scoring on our team is so spread out and our top six [defense] or even top eight D can play against anyone's top line," Ekholm said. "I think anyone on our team can play against [the MacKinnon line]."
Balance is key, agrees Preds Captain Roman Josi, but so is understanding the situation and the coming push from the Avs, who are now back at home - where they were 28-11-2 during the regular season.

"Those first two games were really tight and competitive," Josi said. "We're definitely in a good spot winning the two home games, but we know they're going to play even better in Game 3 at home. I think from last year, against Chicago, we won that Game 3 in overtime and it was a huge game for us. It's going to be no different tomorrow night."
As for the mystique surrounding the Mile High City, the Predators have won their last five contests at Pepsi Center and recorded the NHL's best road record during the regular season at 28-9-4.
"The crowd is a little more into it in the postseason when you go on the road," Josi said. "But I think it's pretty much the same mentality (as other road games) you want to have the right mentality and play a smart road game and make the right decisions.
"[We] have to play fast. They're a really fast team. They have a lot of guys that can really skate, they're great offensively, so we have to make sure we play well defensively… It's all about speed against Colorado."