NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Predators aren't done just yet. Just over 48 hours after failing to shut the door in game four Nashville bounced back with a third period rally to beat the Canucks 2-1, fend off elimination and force a game six back in Nashville on Friday.
For a game that saw Vancouver control the first period and Nashville slant the ice in its favor in the second, the action really didn't start until the third period.
Juuse Saros made a couple of significant saves early in the period to keep the game scoreless, but then let in a Charmin soft goal when Nakita Zadorov fired a shot from the left dot that somehow fit between Saros and the near post.
But with the season on the line, a Nashville team that gave up two goals in the final 2:49 of regulation, then lost that game in the first 1:02 of overtime, showed great resolve. They remained relentless on their forecheck and increased the amount of offensive zone time created.
They cashed in for their first power play goal since game one. After failing to score on 17 straight power play opportunities the Preds finally got one to tie the game 1-1. After struggling to even enter the puck into the offensive zone during the team's first three power plays Sunday the Predators found a way to get a clean entry and Roman Josi skated the puck all the way in on Arturs Silovs who made the initial stop, but lost track of where the puck was.
A group of athletes came together with Silvos around the crease, ultimately knocking the puck in the net.
The goal was credited to Josi, a big boost in what has otherwise been a very quiet series for the Predators captain.
Saros saved the day just moments later when he turned away a backhand flip from game three hero Brock Boeser. That set the stage for the game five winning and, potentially, season saving play.
Alexander Carrier lined up a shot from the point and placed the puck perfectly into the lower corner of the net for a Predators' lead, thanks to some good net front shielding presence by veteran Ryan O'Reilly.
And this time the Preds closed it out. They shut down 2:00 of the 6-on-5 Canucks advantage in front of a Vancouver crowd that urged them on in full voice, desperate to see them close the series out on home ice.
But, unlike game four, where the Canucks scored twice in the final 2:49 with the goalie pulled, Nashville was able to calmly defend its zone and secure the win.
So the Canucks will follow the Predators back to Nashville on that long, long flight with still work to be done. Meanwhile, the Preds should be brimming with confidence after outplaying the Canucks in the last three games, even if only one ended up in the win column.
Yes, they're still down 3-2, needing two more wins to advance to round two, but the Predators gave themselves a chance. Win Friday night and all the pressure shifts squarely on to the Canucks for a game seven Sunday back in Vancouver.
Those that wondered how the Preds would respond following their game four meltdown got their answer. This team, as it did all season, showed up to fight Tuesday night.
They kept pounding away and pounding away until the door opened in the third period, then made the most of their opportunity.
They earned the right to extend the season and make this a series once again.
It's truly the small things that add up to a great day - and Warrick in Lebanon is having a big impact. His familiar face is becoming a staple in one part of the community and inspiring closer connection in the simplest way. Enjoy his warm personality! You may even feel inclined to wave to a stranger today, too.
-Rebecca Schleicher
