For the entirety of the first period and much of the second period, the Nashville Predators didn’t look like they even belonged in the game, but then came the third period. In dramatic fashion, the Predators came back from a two-goal deficit to tie it in the waning seconds of regulation with goaltender Pekka Rinne on the bench.
During overtime, Nashville had plenty of opportunities to bury the game-winner, but momentum switched into the favor of the Anaheim Ducks about five minutes in. After that shift, the Ducks scored the game-winner to send the series back to Anaheim at 2-2.
On a positive note, in each of their losses during the playoffs, the Predators have lost by one goal (aside from the empty netter in Game 2). Even when they’ve played poorly, whether against St. Louis or Anaheim, they’ve had a chance to win the game. That’s a good sign.
Above is post game reaction from Filip Forsberg, who notched Nashville’s tying goal in the final minute of regulation, and defenseman Matt Irwin.
Justin is the author of "The Making of Smashville." An award-winning reporter, in 2013, he received the Silver Medal in the Best Sports Reporter Category for The Tennessean's Toast of Music City reader's poll. In 2014 & 2015, Justin was voted as the Best Sports Reporter in Nashville. In 2014, PenaltyBoxRadio.com received the silver medal as Best Blog in Nashville. In 2015, the website received the award for Best Sports Blog in Music City. In 2016, the site was awarded 2nd place as Best Blog in Nashville. He has been a featured guest on "NHL Tonight" on NHL Network, "Inside Sports Sunday on WSMV-TV, "All Things Considered" on NPR, "Road to the Cup" on WKRN-TV, "Sportsline" on NewsC hannel 5+, "Predators Playoffs Today" on ESPN 102.5 The Game, TSN 1290 Winnipeg, Sportsnet 590 The Fan - Toronto, TSN 1260 Edmonton, WGR Sports Radio 550 - Buffalo, and featured in The Ringer, Saturday Down South and The Tennessean. Credentialed by the Nashville Predators, the NHL (Stanley Cup Final, Draft, All Star Game), WCHA and CHL.
