Nashville Sports History
In front of a packed house at Bridgestone Arena, the Nashville Predators will try to make history and move on to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time. The Predators played a solid game in Game Five with timely scoring and a top-notch effort from Pekka Rinne. Now, the moment will be big and the hockey world will be watching. Tonight is the most important sporting event to ever take place in Nashville, Tennessee. The Predators need to be able to feed off of the energy that will be in the building tonight where they are 6-1 at home during the postseason. What they have accomplished so far is amazing, but now is the time not to be complacent. It is time to put the pedal down and finish off the Anaheim Ducks and move on to play for the Stanley Cup.
Clipped Ducks
An enormous storyline going into and coming out of Game Five was injuries from both teams. The Predators were without Captain Mike Fisher (undisclosed) and Ryan Johansen (lower-body), but they were able to have players such as Frederick Gaudreau step up in the moment. On the other side, the Anaheim Ducks are hurting and their physical style of play is starting to catch up with them. Going into Game Five, Patrick Eaves and Rickard Rakell were scratched due to injury. Over the past 24 hours, it was detailed that neither player made the trip to Nashville and will be out for Game Six. Also, John Gibson was pulled, due to injury, during Game Five and replaced by Johnathan Bernier. It is still unclear who will be in net tonight when both teams hit the ice for a possible ending to the series. The Predators need to take advantage of the injured Ducks to put them away for the series clincher.
Pekka Must Be Pekka
The success of the Nashville Predators during their postseason run has hinged on the play of Pekka Rinne. During the postseason, Rinne has been the rock that the Predators have needed with a record of 11-4, 1.62 goals-against average, .942 save percentage, and two shutouts. He has been the best player for Nashville and they need him once again. The Anaheim Ducks will do whatever it takes in this series to defeat the Predators. They have won in Nashville and know what it takes to get the win. The Predators cannot come out flat like they did in Game Four. Instead, a strong start with great goaltending will be their key to making history in Smashville tonight.
The Nashville Predators have a great opportunity of punching their ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals in front of their hometown fans. Be sure to catch the possibly historical event on NBCSN or you can listen live on 102.5 The Game. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm!
