Nashville is 8-2 in the playoffs. The Predators won Game 1 both at Chicago and at St. Louis. I see them making it three straight Stanley Cup Game 1 road victories here against the Ducks.

Not only do the Predators have the history of starting fast on the road, but they also have that sense of urgency. Anaheim figures to be flat after ending a five consecutive Game 7 losing streak by defeating Edmonton Wednesday night in its Game 7 matchup. No NHL team ever had dropped six consecutive Game 7 playoff matchups. That was a grueling series the Ducks had against the Oilers.

The Predators are the far fresher team having eliminated the Blues this past Sunday.

Nashville doesn't have a superstar the caliber of Connor McDavid like the Oilers. However, the Predators have speed up front and better defensemen than the Oilers. They have a hot goalie, too, in Pekka Rinne.

The Ducks are going to have to play extremely well to beat the Predators just like they did against the Oilers in Game 7. I don't see that happening given the short turnaround and the Predators' all around talent plus proven track record in Game 1 road matchups.