Nashville Predators take control of Series 3-2 after Stunning Anaheim Ducks 3-2 –NHL Play-offs
The Nashville Predators answered back in the final moments to save themselves from another play-off loss. They stunned the Ducks by 3-2 on Friday to gain a 3-2 advantage in the Western Conference quarterfinals series at the Honda Centre in Anaheim, California.
Anaheim had taken control of the match in the final minutes of the third period, but all of a sudden the Predators launched a fully fledged attack and forced overtime.
It raised their hopes of finally winning a play-off series after a number of previous losses which had underdetermined their hopes of ever reaching the finals.
"It's an amazing feeling to be one step closer", said Jordin Tootoo, who set up the game winning goal along with the first. "The playoffs are all about momentum swings, and we've done well with that throughout the year".
Kevin Klein opened up the scoring nearly midway through the first period.
Anaheim’s Jason Blake tied up the match during the second period during a Nashville sponsored power-play when Shane O'Brien was booked for tripping Brandon McMillan.
The crowd was highly tensed while returning to their seats after the intermission as both teams were tied at 1-1 and they knew anything could happen if any of the team did not take an early lead.
Surpassing their expectations, Bobby Ryan scored in the opening 40 seconds sending the stadium into a trance.
Joel Ward tied up the contest once again on his third goal of the quarterfinals. Ward, who only scored five times in regulation season, fired off a shot which hit the glass behind Anaheim goalie Ray Emery and came back to him, this time nailing it straight
into the net.
Jason Blake answered back for the Ducks nearly three minutes later to make the tie breaker. There were only six minutes remaining in the final and Anaheim was ahead by only one which meant that Nashville had to react fast if they wanted to save the feeling
of being closer and closer to elimination.
Just when it seemed like Anaheim had taken the match, Predators Captain Shea Weber stepped up and scored with 36 seconds remaining to force overtime.
He took the risk by attempting a long shot from centre ice with the clock ticking down and silenced the crowd when the red light began to flash, signalling a goal.
Jerred Smithson scored 1:57 into overtime to break all of the boundaries which had been set by his own team. After his game winning shot, Nashville finally won a game five of a series, an overtime game and has achieved winning three games, all for the first
time.
"I remember how hard it was last year in Game 5, and everybody in here knows it", Weber said. "That makes it even sweeter. I don't even remember a lot of times we've come back this year. Usually we're playing with a lead when we win. It's a great feeling".
Nashville is set to host the Ducks on Sunday for game six. Entering the match with this kind of confidence is sure to spark something in the Predators which could mean the end for the Anaheim Ducks.
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