Number 2: Predators Defeat Anaheim to Advance to Stanley Cup Finals
The Nashville Predators competed in their first ever Western Conference Finals this past season against the Anaheim Ducks. This was the third time the Predators matched up against the Ducks in postseason play, winning the prior two encounters. Anaheim was back, and looking for revenge after Nashville eliminated them the previous year in seven games.
Nashville got off to a hot start in the series, winning the first game in overtime by a score of 3-2. Anaheim was able to bounce back and pick up the victory in game two, though. The series shifted back to Nashville for two more, where the Predators had been undefeated in the playoffs. For the first time ever, Nashville hosted a Western Conference Finals game, and the fans were not disappointed. Roman Josi scored a goal late in the third period and gave his team a 2-1 lead in the series, but in order to win two more, the Predators would have to overcome some serious adversity.
Game four in Nashville saw Anaheim take a 2-0 lead early in the second. The Predators were having trouble mustering up any offense, and were lucky to be headed into the third only down two. Then, with around six minutes left, P.K. Subban got Nashville on the board. Now, only down by one, coach Peter Laviolette was forced to pull his goaltender, in hopes that his players could come through in crunch time. They did. With 35 seconds remaining in the game Forsberg was able to shove the puck in the goal to tie the game.
The game proceeded to overtime and neither team seemed to have an advantage, but just after halfway through the period Ducks’ forward Corey Perry lazily threw the puck towards the net. It deflected off of Subban’s stick and found its way behind Rinne. The Predators’ valiant comeback was nullified, but in the process the Predators proved that they were capable of overcoming adversity.
Push to the end
What happened next was the biggest bit of adversity Nashville was forced to adhere to. Predators’ number one center Ryan Johansen was ruled out for the remainder of the playoffs with acute compartment syndrome of the left thigh. If the Predators were going to make history they were going to be forced to do so without their star center.
Game five was back in Anaheim, but Nashville proved that they were there to play with or without Johansen. The game was tied going into the third, when newly promoted Pontus Aberg scored his first playoff goal, which ended up being the game winner. Game six was more of the same. Another young player stepping up when his team needed him. Colton Sissons scored a hat trick helping send his team to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Once again, history was made. The Nashville Predators were awarded their first ever Clarence S. Campbell Bowl and advanced to play for the most prestigious trophy in all of sports. What made this moment even better, was that it took place on home-ice and the fans were able to fully take part in the celebration.