Nashville Predators: Top Plays from the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs

5 – Fiala Scores Overtime Winner against Chicago

This top moment comes from the first round of the Stanley Cup Finals. The Nashville Predators were pitted against their division rival, The Chicago Blackhawks. To many people’s surprise Nashville won the first two games of the series. What was even more surprising was that Nashville did so by shutting out the Blackhawks. Next, the series shifted back to Nashville.

Despite not scoring in the first two games Chicago tallied first in Game three. Chicago managed two goals and held the lead entering the third. Filip Forsberg would answer for Nashville, though, as he scored two consecutive goals in the third period to send the game to overtime.

It is often stated that nothing is more stressful than overtime hockey, and this game was no different. Both teams exchanged chances as the fans held their breath. There was a lot riding on this game. Nashville had the chance to go up three games to none in the series. Whereas Chicago was looking to gain their first victory in the series and gain some momentum. However, as with much of the playoffs for the Predators, when they needed a young guy to step up, someone delivered. This time it happened to be Kevin Fiala.

Just over 16 minutes into the overtime period, Fiala took a pass from James Neal and was able to put it past goalie Corey Crawford. This goal put the dagger in the Blackhawks. They were giving the Predators everything that they had and it still was not enough. Fiala gave the Predators all the momentum they needed to close out the series, and then some. Nashville was for real, and now the whole world knew it.

4 – Aberg’s sensational goal against Pittsburgh

The Nashville Predators’ theme throughout the playoffs was young players steping up when needed. One of those players who had a major impact was Pontus Aberg. The young forward was forced into more playing time after injuries took their toll on Nashville. While he might not have been a top scorer, his presence was definitely felt.

Aberg participated in 16 games in the playoffs but his shining moment took place in the Stanley Cup Finals during game two. Aberg controlled a bouncing pass and proceeded to deke around Olli Matta through the slot. He then waited out Murray and flipped the puck over him and into the net.

This goal did not have much impact on the game itself. Aberg gave Nashville the lead, but that was the only goal the Predators could score and ended up losing 4-1. What this goal did do was give us a glimpse of what Aberg has the potential to accomplish. He scored possibly the best looking goal of the playoffs and he is nowhere near at his best yet. The future sure looks bright in Nashville for this one.

It is also worth noting that Aberg recently signed a two-year extension worth 1.3 million dollars.

3 – Johansen’s GWG against St. Louis in Game Six

For the second straight year the Nashville Predators found themselves in the second round of the playoffs. This time they faced off against an opponent they had never seen in postseason play before, the St. Louis Blues. The Blues were a hungry team. They had just finished off the Minnesota Wild and were looking to make it back to the Western Conference Finals.

Nashville won the first game of the series after surrendering a two goal lead. St. Louis took the second game to tie the series. The series shifted back to Nashville and the Predators won both games. After dropping game five Nashville was given an opportunity to close out the series on home ice.

Game 6 did not start the way Nashville wanted as Paul Stastny scored just two minutes into the game. That was the last time the Blues found the back of the net, though. Josi managed to tie the game early in the second, and one period later history was made.

Johansen scored the series clinching goal in the third period off a gorgeous feed from Arvidsson. This play gets top honors for two reasons: the implications of the goal and the beauty of it. Johansen helped send the Predators to the Western Conference Finals for the first time and he did it in style.

2 – Rinne’s Sprawling Series of Saves against Pittsburgh

Throughout the playoffs Pekka Rinne played some of the best hockey of his whole career. It was not until the finals where Rinne’s play came into question. Rinne had two pretty bad games in Pittsburgh to open up the series allowing eight goals total. He would bounce back, though. Rinne returned to form in games three and four, allowing only one goal each. Game four would showcase one of the best saves of the entire playoffs, as well.

Rinne’s save halfway through the second period was so amazing it does not do it justice to describe it. It was just one of those moments that you had to be watching to grasp the true value of that play. This play was one of those jaw-dropping moments that do not happen often, and it happened to propel the Predators to another victory to tie up the series.

1 – Sisson’s Hat Trick Goal against Anaheim

The number one top moment of the playoffs goes to Colton Sissons. He is just another example of young guy stepping up, and boy did he step up. He was forced onto the first line after the devastating injury to Ryan Johansen, and all he did was outperform everyone’s expectations.

Game six was Sissons’ breakout moment. He ultimately scored a hat trick but the way it was accomplished combined with the ramifications of the game are why Sisson’s takes the top spot.

The Nashville Predators relinquished a two goal lead in the third period and things were not looking good. Nashville seemingly had no momentum and was struggling to create chances. Then it happened. Sissons took the puck into the offensive zone where the puck was knocked off his stick. The puck went straight to teammate Calle Järnkrok and he attracted all four Duck’s players. Sissons was then able to sneak behind the defense and set up for the one timer. He buried the puck and Bridgestone Arena erupted.

Next: 10 Best Moments since Predators were saved

Sissons scored the series clinching goal for Nashville in Game six, while also scoring a hat trick in the process. If that does not scream top play, then I do not know what does.