Stanley Cup 2017: X-factors that could swing Penguins vs. Predators series
The Stanley Cup Final puts star power on display. It's where great players become legends.
This year's matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators is no different.
Players like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, P.K. Subban, Phil Kessel, Pekka Rinne and Filip Forsberg have been doing heavy lifting for their teams for years. But every championship series sees the emergence of X-factors that can turn the tide.
MORE NHL:
Stanley Cup 2017: Predators vs. Penguins predictions
Stanley Cup 2017: Five burning questions for Penguins-Predators Final
Predators, Penguins tangle in intriguing Stanley Cup Final
Here are five that could change the outcome of the Final:
Matt Murray
Matt Murray is a relative newcomer to this postseason after suffering an injury setback before Game 1 of the playoffs. But since taking the reins from Marc-Andre Fleury during Game 3 against the Ottawa Senators, Murray has been superb. He has not given up more than two goals in an appearance, posting a .946 save percentage and 1.35 goals-against average with one shutout. In his short career, Murray has already earned a reputation as a big-game goalie, never losing back-to-back games in the playoffs and being the winning goalie for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference final in both 2016 and 2017.
Nashville's second defense pairing
The Predators' defense pairing of Roman Josi and Ryan Ellis would be No. 1 on almost every team. But they're No. 2 in Nashville, thanks to the presence of star P.K. Subban and partner Mattias Ekholm. The Penguins are a dangerous offensive team, but having a second defense pair at that level that plays upwards of 24 minutes a night will help mitigate that. Additionally, the Josi-Ellis tandem has provided more offense this postseason than Ekholm-Subban has. Ellis is the Predators' third-leading scorer with 11 points, while Josi is in a tie for fourth with 10 points. Continued offensive production from Josi and Ellis is a must.
Mike Sullivan
Peter Laviolette is a magnificent coach, but it's fellow Massachusetts native Mike Sullivan who holds the keys to the series. Everything Sullivan has touched since joining the Penguins last season has turned to gold. This season he has navigated his team back to the Final despite a lengthy list of injuries, and made the bold switch to Murray in the conference final. Having home ice, Sullivan will have more opportunities to make the last change and thus put the Penguins in situations they can take advantage of.
Experience
Captain Mike Fisher is the only Predators player in this postseason run who has ever appeared in a Stanley Cup Final before. Only seven Penguins players have dressed this postseason who didn't play in last season's title run. Knowing how to win this time of year is important, and the Penguins have a decided edge in big-game experience.
'Smashville'
The atmosphere at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena has been incredible, from the anthem singing to the goalie chants. The Predators have fed off that energy to go 7-1 at home in the playoffs. Keeping up their strong play at home could go a long way toward winning the series.
