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The Penguins will be looking to extend their series lead at home tonight in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. Meanwhile, the Predators will be coming with confidence after a great performance in Game 1. Games 3 and 4 will be played in Nashville, so a win tonight is essential for the Predators.
Game 1 run down
Pittsburgh head coach Mike Sullivan called the game 1 win a “bizarre” one. The Penguins went up 3 goals to none in the first period. They were then shut down by the Predators, and went 37 minutes with out a shot on target. This sparked a comeback for the Predators, although they ended up losing 5-3.
Sydney Crosby applauded the opposition’s defense after being shut down for 37 minutes. Although, he recognized that the Penguins have to capitalize on chances and put shots on goal in game 2.
While more shots is always nice, goals per shots on goal is just as important. The penguins scored four goals on only 11 shots(one goal was on an open net) in game 1. Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis said goalie Pekka Rinne has “been our MVP all year. I expect him to bounce back.”
Looking forward to game 2
Pittsburgh head coach Mike Sullivan has said that he reminds his team to “have a short memory” so they can learn from each game and move forward.
Predators head coach Peter Laviolette thought that his team played great despite the result but knows they’ve “got to be better in game 2“.
What to know
If the Pittsburgh Penguins finish the season as champions, they will be the first team to ever win back-to-back championships in the salary-cap era.
On the other hand, if the Nashville Predators win the Stanley Cup, it will be their first ever in franchise history. In addition, they would become the NHL’s first ever No. 16 seed to win it all.
