The Nashville Predators aren't rolling over despite being down 3-1 in their NHL playoff series against the Phoenix Coyotes. The Preds had more scoring chances and put a lot of pressure on the home team, hoping a fast start will help them avoid elimination for at least one more night.
Nashvile, down 3-1 to the Coyotes, outshot Phoenix 10-5 in first period shots on goal. The shots of best quality came from Patric Hornqvist and Shea Weber.
At 15:15 of the period, the Coyotes David Schlemko let fire from distance, but Predators goalie Pekka Rinne stopped it.
Martin Hanzal was whistled for roughing with 2:15 to play in the period, but the Predators couldn't capitalize on the man advantage.
This is nothing new. The Predators have struggled to score during the series and are 3-for-16 on power plays during this postseason.
The Coyotes need to turn up the heat on offense in order to lock up this series and advance to the conference finals. They can't count on the goalkeeping of Mike Smith to carry them the rest of this game, especially with the Predators playing with nothing but their season to lose.