NHL Playoffs 2018: TV Schedule, Odds, Predictions for Friday's Stanley Cup Game

The Nashville Predators' quest to return to the Stanley Cup Final takes its next step Friday night, when they host the Winnipeg Jets in Game 1 of the second-round series in the Central Division portion of the Western Conference bracket.

Although they aren't expected to deliver a seven-goal outburst like the Vegas Golden Knights did Thursday night in the West's other second-round showdown, the Predators come into Friday as the favorite to capture Game 1.

Nashville won the regular-season series against Winnipeg with three wins, one loss and an overtime defeat en route to winning the Presidents' Trophy for the most regular-season points.

Knocking off the Jets won't be an easy task, as Winnipeg showed in the first round it is more than capable of dominating a series.

Starting with Game 1, each contest in the series will be played on a day's rest until Game 7—if it gets that far—as there are two days off between the final two games of the series.

Game 1 Information

Start Time: 8 p.m. ET 

TV: NBCSN

Odds: Nashville -156 (bet $100 to win $156); Winnipeg +132 (bet $100 to win $132)

Odds via OddsShark.

Predictions

Winnipeg Starts Fast Behind Laine, Wheeler

Winnipeg's Patrik Laine and Blake Wheeler aren't household names in the United States because of where they play, which gives them a chance to become breakout stars. 

Laine, a 20-year-old from Finland, is one of hockey's best prospects. He proved why he is so highly regarded during the regular season by netting 44 goals, a total that was second behind the Washington Capitals' Alexander Ovechkin.

Wheeler, 31, has been a consistent force in the Jets offense for quite some time, but turned his play up a notch this season, and he tied the Philadelphia Flyers' Claude Giroux for the most assists with 68.

Andy Clayton-King/Associated Press

The Jets will turn to their two superstars to get off to a fast start Friday inside Nashville's Bridgestone Arena.

Scoring the first goal or two of the series will be crucial for the Jets to earn confidence against one of the league's best teams, and it will settle Laine and Wheeler into the series.

In the first-round win over Minnesota, Laine and Wheeler recorded four points each, but those totals need to at least double in order to conquer the Central Division champion.

As long as Laine and Wheeler create scoring opportunities in the first period and Connor Hellebuyck comes up with a few early saves in net, the Jets should put enough pressure on the Predators to take an advantage in the opening 20 minutes.

Nashville Closes Strong, Wins Game 1

Nashville won't go away easy, and after losing to the Colorado Avalanche at home in Game 5 in the first round, it needs to reclaim its form at Bridgestone Arena.

Scoring first seems like a key, and the Predators will be forced to play from behind in the first period after the Jets strike the back of the net.

The good news for Nashville is the second period is the team's best, as the Preds produced 98 goals after the first interval compared to 76 from opponents this season.

Although Nashville is 12-14-5 when the opponent scores first, it is 37-2-4 when it holds a lead after two periods, which is what it should shoot for Friday.

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Filip Forsberg and Austin Watson will be at the forefront of the second-period pressure, but with enough defensive eyes on them, they won't be able to find the breakthrough for the Predators.

The X-factor in Game 1 could turn out to be someone like Viktor Arvidsson or Ryan Johansen, both of whom struggled to make a major impact on the scoreboard against the Avalanche.

Goalie Pekka Rinne should also play a part in Nashville's success in Game 1, as he enters with a 2.60 goals-against average and .909 save percentage in the postseason.

Rinne let in 15 goals against Colorado, but he received support from his attack throughout, as it scored 22 goals over six games.

Look for much of the same from the Predators as they pull away in the third period and hold serve going into Sunday's Game 2.

Score Prediction: Nashville 4, Winnipeg 2

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90. Statistics obtained from Hockey Reference.