NHL 2007 playoffs: Nashville-San Jose

The Nashville Predators despite a slower end of season have completed the best season in franchise history with 110 points. Tomas Vokoun is now a veteran goaltender. This season he was injuried, played 44 games, kept a 2.40 goals against average and managed to register 5 shutouts. On the attack side, the Predators have some firepower to stay a few rounds into those playoffs. Paul Kariya, Jean-Pierre Dumont, David Legwand, Peter Forsberg and Martin Erat as forwards, backed up by Kimmo Timonen and Shea Weber as able offensive defensemens. The Predators flirted with the league leaders in points all season long. They should last a few rounds.

The San Jose Sharks have their work cut out in front of them. Goaltender Evgeny Nabokov will be needed and on top of his game to beat the Predators. Nabokov kept a 2.29 goal against average in 50 games with 7 shutouts this season. On the attack side don't be fooled by Joe Thornton's 114 points of the regular season. He shouldn't be much of a factor. The former Boston Bruins have scored only 1 goal in the playoffs during his entire career. He burns the league during the regular season then vaporizes during the playoffs. Patrick Marleau and Jonathan Cheechoo will have to drag this team during the playoffs if they want to advance.

The Predators winning in 6 games.