The set-up: The Nashville Predators shocked the Chicago Blackhawks by sweeping them out of the playoffs and remained only team that yet to lose in the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs by earning a 4-3 win in Game 1 over the Blues in St. Louis. However, rookie left winger Kevin Fiala, who scored twice in the Predators' four-game sweep of top-seeded Chicago in the first round, was lost for the remainder of the postseason after suffering a fractured left femur in a scary crash into the end boards. As for St, Louis, the team's series-opening defeat dropped them to 5-8 in their last 13 home playoff games. "We have to be better at home," St. Louis head coach Mike Yeo told reporters. "We have to address this. As coaches, it's up to me to figure out why that is. We have to find a way to be better."

Nashville: P.K. Subban came to Nashville in a surprising offseason trade of captain Shea Weber and in Game 1 of this series, became the first Nashville blue-liner to register three points in a playoff game while boosting his career postseason total to 43 points in 60 contests. More good news came the Predators' way with LW Colin Wilson getting back in the lineup for the first time in three weeks. He scored his 11th goal in his last 21 playoff contests in Game 1.

St. Louis: The Blues took care of the Wild in five games in the first round but struggled on special teams. St. Louis has now converted on just 1-of-16 chances with the man advantage in the playoffs and surrenderedtwo power-play goals in Game 1, for the second straight contest. "Penalties killed us," right wing Ryan Reaves told reporters after Thursday's practice session. "We've obviously got to eliminate penalties. Playoff hockey, teams are going to make you pay." The Blues may also be getting concerned with goalie Jake Allen. He began the postseason by allowing just five goals in four games but has now allowed seven in his last two.

The pick: Talking about his Game 1 performance, Nashville's Suppan 'modestly' said, "We can sugarcoat it, but that's why they pay me, you know? It's to come up big in these games and perform." That quote may just come to 'bite' him in the you-know-what. After all, the Predators aren't exactly known for having much success come the postseason. In fact, they are trying to advance to the first Western Conference finals in franchise history. Expect the Blues to even the series here in Game 2. Make St. Louis a 10* play.