It took 18 years but the Predators have finally advanced to the NHL's biggest stage: the Stanley Cup Final.
Nashville clinched a series victory in the Western Conference finals with a 6-3 win in Game 6 over Anaheim. Fittingly, the Preds did it at home in Bridgestone Arena in front of a raucous crowd.
After a nearly heroic comeback attempt by the Ducks, who scored twice to tie the game 3-3 in the third period, Nashville scored the game's final three goals to secure the win. Anaheim pulled goalie Jonathan Bernier twice in the game's waning minutes to put an extra skater on the ice, but both times the Predators made the Ducks pay with an empty-net goal.
Nashville center Colton Sissons was the surprise hero of Game 6 with a hat trick, and left winger Austin Watson added a pair of goals. The Predators were efficient on offense, scoring six goals on 18 shots, and played mostly stifling defense on the other end of the ice.
Pekka Rinne was generally outstanding in net for the Predators, saving 38 of the 41 shots he faced.
The Predators will face the Penguins or the Senators in the Stanley Cup Final, which will begin May 29. Pittsburgh leads Ottawa in the Eastern Conference finals three games to two. Game 6 is Tuesday in Ottawa.
I said I would root for these guys after they kicked the crap out of the Blackhawks, and they have done well, even after losing a key player to injury a couple games ago
I'm kind of hoping Ottowa gets their shit together to take out Pittsburgh but things aren't looking good
