Colin Wilson back in playoff comfort zone for Predators
Predators forward Colin Wilson hardly steamed into the playoffs full of momentum.
A former first-round draft pick, he’d scored just six goals in 64 regular-season games, spent part of the season on the fourth line and suffered the indignity of a healthy scratch on March 31.
But nobody hits the postseason reset button like Wilson.
He scored a goal in Nashville's Game 1 Western Conference quarterfinal victory over Anaheim and added a critical assist in the Game 2 win, marking the first time since Feb. 27 and March 1 that he’d posted points in back-to-back games.
His improved play in the playoffs is one of the big reasons the Predators have a 2-0 series lead for the first time in franchise history. They’ll try to pad that lead Tuesday in Game 3 at Bridgestone Arena (8:30 p.m., Fox TN, 102.5-FM).
Predators vs. Ducks, Game 3: 3 things to watch
“The first two games, he’s been unbelievable,” Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis said. “The first goal he scored was a huge momentum swing for us and then the next game was a great (assist) … making that play to (Mattias Ekholm) on his backhand. It’s really good to see him playing well for us because we’re going to need everyone at their best to be successful.”
Wilson’s postseason resurgence is in a way similar to what transpired last season.
Even though Wilson scored a career-best 20 goals in 2014-15, he struggled mightily down the stretch, producing just two points — zero goals — in his final 15 regular-season games.
Once the playoff spotlight arrived, however, Wilson transformed himself back into a dangerous offensive player. He collected five goals — including two in one game — during a memorable six-game performance against Chicago.
5 takeaways from Predators' 3-2 Game 2 win vs. Ducks
The fact that he was able to perform so well last year when the pressure was at its greatest may well be what gave him confidence heading into this year’s playoffs.
“I think I know that I can step my game up a little,” Wilson said, “so I’m just trying to do the same thing this year.”
Said teammate Filip Forsberg: “He was probably our best player in the playoffs (last year) and he’s started off basically where he left off last year. He’s going to be really interesting to follow during these playoffs.”
Predators coach Peter Laviolette said he did see some signs in the last few weeks that Wilson’s game was starting to make a turn for the better. In the third-to-last game of the regular season, for instance, Wilson notched a goal and an assist, just his fifth multipoint effort of the year.
“I think that maybe gave him some confidence," Laviolette said. "His line played well and they were able to do some good things.”
Predators' Colin Wilson seeks repeat playoff performance
But based on last year and the first two games of this series, nothing seems to rev Wilson’s engines quite like the annual start of the Stanley Cup quest.
“It’s just an exciting time to play,” Wilson said. “It’s hard not to get up for it. You’re trying to do anything to win a Cup.”
Said Laviolette: “The playoffs is a different animal. It’s a whole new season. The regular season doesn’t matter anymore. It only matters what we do in the playoffs, so it’s a good opportunity for him.”
Reach John Glennon at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @glennonsports.
NEXT GAME
DUCKS at PREDATORS
Series: Nashville leads 2-0
When: 8:30 p.m. Tuesday
TV/radio: Fox TN/102.5-FM
SERIES SCHEDULE
Game 1: Nashville 3-2
Game 2: Nashville 3-2
Tuesday: at Nashville, 8:30 p.m.
Thursday: at Nashville, 7 p.m.
x-Saturday: at Anaheim, TBD
x-April 25: at Nashville, TBD
x-April 27: at Anaheim, TBD
x-if necessary