Five keys to the series:
1. Net presence: Nashville's Pekka Rinne is a Vezina Trophy finalist and is capable of controlling a series. But Phoenix's Mike Smith had better stats this regular season. He had more shutouts (eight) and a better goals-against average (2.21) and save percentage (.930).
2. Alexander the Great: Nashville's Alexander Radulov should be the most dangerous forward in the series. He sniffs out scoring chances like your best hunting dog. A play looks like nothing is happening, and then suddenly Radulov seems to slide in an open door.
3. Quiet, geniuses at work: Phoenix's Dave Tippett and Nashville's Barry Trotz are among the league's more respected coaches. Under Trotz, the Predators have always been a competitive team. Since Tippett came to Phoenix, the Coyotes have been one of the NHL's most thorough defensive squads. This could be a series decided by coaching adjustments.
4. New day, new hero: The Coyotes seem to score by committee, and Antoine Vermette is a candidate to win the Chris Kontos award for most goals (four) from an unexpected source. Keep an eye on Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who is developing into one of the league's better defensemen. Defenseman Keith Yandle's ability to move the puck is crucial to Phoenix's offensive thrust. Not blessed with overwhelming skill up front, they need help from their defense.
5. Defensive gems: The Coyotes have a great defensive system, but the Predators have two great defensive players in Shea Weber and Ryan Suter. Weber is a Norris Trophy finalist, and Suter is among the league's top six defensemen. Kevin Klein also happens to be playing like an elite defenseman for Nashville.
Forecast: Predators vs. Coyotes sounds like a movie in which the Predators devour the desert dogs in five games.
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