Tuesday Morning Wake Up

Welcome Back, Steph!

Good Tuesday morning to all. Quick turnaround after the overtime, but let's get ready for another day!

Steph Curry returned last night, in case you didn't hear. After not playing in the team's last four games, Curry looked fresh and in rhythm. Leading all scorers with 40, he also set a league-record with 17 (17!!) points in the overtime period. Golden State survived 132-125 on the road in Portland last night to take a 3-1 series lead as they head back home. Game 5 is Wednesday night. 

Stars, Preds Force Game 7

Two teams went into the night facing dire circumstances. Facing 3-2 series deficits, both Nashville and Dallas fought off elimination to force winner-take-all Game 7s. 

Dallas led 3-0 before St Louis would charge back to make it interesting. The Blues would score two goals before Dallas held on to win 3-2. Game 7 is in Dallas on Wednesday night. 

Nashville was quite the opposite. San Jose scored twice in the opening period to jump out to a commanding lead. After Nashville broke the goose egg on the scoreboard, momentum violently swing into their favor. They would tie the game early in the second period before falling behind 3-2 in the third. Just as it seemed like all was lost, Colin Wilson would tie the game two minutes after San Jose had taken their last lead. Behind a rowdy home crowd, the Predators would score the winning goal just two minutes into overtime. Game 7 is in San Jose on Thursday where Nashville hasn't won a playoff game yet. 

Oklahoma City at San Antonio

Game 5

Series tied at 2-2

The only real action going on tonight is a pivotal Game 5 in the Western Conference to see who will take on Golden State. San Antonio and the Old Guard have only last two games at home all season including the playoffs. After being trounced in Game 4, the Spurs will look to get one win closer to the Conference Finals tonight when they defend their home court. Tip is at 8:00 on TNT. 

That's all for now. Be sure to check back throughout the day for updates and breaking news. Thanks for reading!

-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