Game 7: Second Period

Let's Go Preds!

The first period did not go as planned. The Predators would have to go a man down and two goals behind, to start the second period. Surely it couldn't get any worse.

Nothing would happen until Shea Weber came back. With full strength on their side, Nashville would have a costly turnover that allowed Logan Couture to score his seventh goal of the playoffs. With a 3-0 deficit, things looked dire for the Preds.

All three games that the Predators have won in this series, they have trailed. However, three goals would be a tall mountain to climb. The fact that San Jose was working Rinne as much as they were didn't play well for the Predators. Something would have to change if they hoped to make a comeback.

With 14:27, an offside was called on Nashville. Barret Jackman had left with an injury. Nashville was in trouble. They would miss two shots in a row before keeping the puck in Sharks territory. with 13:30 left, we would go to a TV break with the score still 3-0.

After going back and forth for several moments, both teams were playing very aggressive to no avail. Another TV timeout would follow with the score remaining the same.

San Jose has controlled every aspect of this game thus far. There has been no denying them thus far. Complete domination throughout. The Predators have not been anywhere near threatening so far. San Jose has been the aggressor and they haven't let up since the puck dropped.

Unlike Game 6, the Predators never got the momentum. They never once pressured the Sharks to think that things might be heading the other direction. The Sharks were faster, hungrier, and they wanted it more. Nashville was sleep walking through the first two periods thus far.

Nashville would begin to hit the Sharks hard. Multiple hits would leave the Sharks stunned and Nashville would begin to show some fight. They were attacking like they hadn't in the game before that point. An Icing call would slow the game down, but Nashville had led the game in hits 34-25 at that point.

After two periods, the Sharks look poised to advance to their first Conference Finals since 2011. It would take a miracle for Nashville to comeback. Hell, I would be surprised if they could score after this show they have put on. Two-thirds of the way through, it has been all San Jose as they lead 3-0.

-Dug

@chansm1th

Game 6: Third Period

Game 6: One Last Stand?

 The Preds are still attacking as the third period gets underway. San Jose is reeling on defense and gasping for air. It feels like at any moment that Nashville is going to take the lead and this game. Let's hope that's the case.

The Predators took a penalty with 11:00 left to go. Goaltender Interference was called on Miika Salomaki to the displeasure of the fans, but it could have been the right call. The Sharks would get a power play. On the first face off, Rinne would make a spectacular save, The Preds would clear the puck to allow some space before the next Shark attack. The puck would be cleared again.

With 0:55 left before Salomaki came back, Logan Couture would score the go ahead goal to take the lead back. With 9;00 left, Nashville is on the ropes again playing for their season. The goal was San Jose's 11th power play goal of the playoffs. Things are looking dire.

With 7:16 left, the Preds would answer! Another equalizer ignites these fans after a no call. Bridgestone Arena goes from silent to euphoria. Colin Wilson sends the roof off of the building with his tying goal. Stand Up!

With the momentum back in their corner, this game feels like its Nashville's to lose. Fans are going nuts as we head to another TV break with 4:56 left. 

Side note: Dallas defeats St Louis to force a Game 7. The winner of that series will face the winner of this one after its over.

Preds still attacking. Under 4:00 and it is looking like this is Nashville's game to lose. They haven't led all night, but its obvious where the momentum lies at this point.

Predators find a loose puck and just miss. Two shots later, they still have the puck in San Jose's end. The SOG is now heavily in Nashville's favor. It feels like another long night that will end in overtime. 

1:29 left and we have a face off in San Jose territory. The replays being shown show just how close the Preds were to scoring on their last possession. San Jose takes the puck but Nashville takes it the other way. After a missed shot, its under one minute remaining. 

Nashville passing well enough for scoring chances, but Jones is protecting well. 

We are headed to overtime!!

-Dug

@chansm1th