Most expect it to be a hotly-contested series, as the teams play similar styles and are both playing well of late.

At least, that's what we think here in the Valley. But what are they saying in good old Nashville, Tennessee?

Read on to find out.

April 27, 2012

• Predators.NHL.com

Preds Open Round 2 At Phoenix On Friday Night

The Predators and Coyotes will go head-to-head for the first time in the postseason as they open their Western Conference Semifinals series on Friday at Jobing.com Arena.

• The Tennessean

Nashville Predators, Phoenix Coyotes show depth of NHL

Neither the Predators nor the Coyotes play in a traditional hockey market.

Nashville Predators, Phoenix Coyotes build teams on strong goaltending

If there is one secret ingredient for a team in a nontraditional market to succeed and thrive, the Predators and Coyotes both have it.

Predators to face Coyotes

History will be made in the next round. Not to imitate the NHL's old television commercial, but a team that has never made the Western Conference Final will advance out of the Nashville-Phoenix series.

Nashville Predators' Pekka Rinne leads NHL playoff run

When Pekka Rinne is on, there is no wasted motion. He seems undisturbed, virtually stationary, until the moment of truth.

• Predlines.com

Predators Vs Coyotes Preview: Brothers From The Desert

I find it nearly impossible to hate the Coyotes. They're a good team that's been through a tough few years off the ice. Amid bad ownership and a bad bad bad arena idea, they've survived by playing good hockey.

• OnTheForecheck.com

Nashville Predators vs. Phoenix Coyotes Series Preview: The Wait Is Over

After what has seemed like an interminable wait, we're finally ready to drop the puck on the Western Conference Semifinals, as the Nashville Predators tangle with the Phoenix Coyotes tonight in Game One (8:00 p.m. Central, NBC Sports).