NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — In a series known for its exceptional competitiveness it was only fitting that the Canucks and Predators' final game would be decided by the slimmest of margins. Pius Suter's goal with 1:39 remaining in the third period giving Vancouver a 1-0 win to clinch the series 4-2.
Both teams attempted to generate more offense in game six, and did, combining for 57 shots on goal, the highest total in the series. But both goaltenders stood up to the challenge.
Arturs Silovs made his third straight start with Thatcher Demko and Casey DeSmith out injured and delivered the best performance of his NHL career, stopping all 28 shots he faced.
Juuse Saros was perhaps even better in his 28 saves, turning aside point-blank chances, stopping two one ones and making a jaw-dropping rebound save on Suter during one second period sequence in which the Predators got hemmed in their own zone for a long shift after Gustav Nyquist lost his stick.
That Saros save led to a standing ovation, one of many on the night from a Bridgestone Arena crowd that tried to will the Preds on to a decisive game seven. There were five catfish thrown onto the ice over the course of the night and four different spontaneous timeout ovations that have now been dubbed the Smashville Stanfing O.
But the Canucks stole momentum in the middle of the second period as the Predators failed to score on Brock Boeser's double-minor for high-sticking. They generated just three shots on the 4:00 power play and went 0-3 with the man-advantage on the night, finishing the series at just 2-22.
The penalty kill gave Vancouver life. The Canucks ramped up their offensive pressure and took over the flow of the game at the end of the second period into the third. Still Saros stood tall. It looked as if it would be another game that would come down to just one play.
And it was the Canucks that once again found the breakthrough. A heavy forecheck created a loose puck behind the Nashville goal and Boeser located and fired a no-look pass directly in front of the net where it found Suter's stick and then the back of the net, gliding in just past Saros's outstretched right skate.
Canucks 1, Predators 0.
That was the final margin in a series that was too close to call until the very end. The Canucks took advantage of two goals in a :12 span of the third period to win game one, they got two power play goals to take game three 2-1 and rallied from 3-1 down with 3:00 left in game four to win in overtime.
Vancouver was just better in the biggest moments. A learning lesson for a Predators team with a lot of young pieces, playing under a first year coach in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year.
They are ahead of schedule by even making the playoffs after a one year absence. But this series highlights that they still have a ways to go to get back to a contender.
For starters they have to reclaim the Smashville magic that made it one of the toughest places in the NHL to play. They've now lost six consecutive postseason games at home, including three straight elimination games.
And they must find a way, any way, to advance in the postseason. Something they haven't done since a first round win over Colorado in 2018. A span of six consecutive series losses.
The margins in then postseason are tight, exceptionally so in this thrilling six game affair. But once again a valiant Predators' effort came up short.
