Predators edge Blues 2-1, take 3-1 series lead

NY has won three straight playoff games at Madison Square Garden after losing six straight on home ice, including Game 3 of the first round against Montreal. The Predators’ blue-line corps continues to provide production, with Ryan Ellis following up P.K. Subban’s three-point game with a goal and assist on Friday. But he knows that won’t be enough to help the Blues win, that he and Berglund need to find the back of the net at some point to provide offensive support for players such as Steen, Vladimir Tarasenko and Paul Stastny.

McLeod gave Nashville a 2-0 lead with his first goal of the postseason just 2:29 into the second period with a backhander past Allen. “As long as you don’t play the puck, I think you’re fine”. We all played really hard. “Whoever gets the recognition, it’s just about how we’re playing, and everybody pulling in the right direction and we have that”.

Laviolette inserted veteran Vern Fiddler into the lineup for the first game against St. Louis, and Fiddler responded with the winning goal.

“Obviously that’s something that would be unbelievable for this organization too”, Rinne said. “Being up 3-1 now, I think we can control our destiny”.

The Oilers dominated in the second period, and they tied the score via goals by Anton Slepyshev and Connor McDavid.

St. Louis can’t afford to chase Nashville around the ice for 60 minutes in Game 4.

The Blues pulled Allen with four minutes to go in the game. The Blues go on to lose 3-1, and go down 2-1 in the best of seven series.

It was Ellis’ third postseason goal and marked his sixth straight playoff game with a point.

“If we get a chance as a D corps, there are a lot of guys who can skate and we try to join the rush and make something happen”, Josi said. “They’re talking to the refs.it’s been that way all series”. It’s worked all series.

Maybe the Blues can look to Mike Milbury for some tips on how to hate on the Predators?

Lessons Learned: The Washington Capitals have done themselves no favors by losing the first two games on home ice, and you can bet the Pittsburgh Penguins will be looking to put the Caps on the brink of elimination. “I am pretty sure that is what the “C” is for, so the league can deal with them”.

St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Nashville Predators during the second period in Game 3 of a second-round NHL hockey playoff series Sunday, April 30, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn.

Former Jets and Bills coach Rex Ryan also was in the stands for his second game this series wearing a Predators’ sweater. Robert Bortuzzo came very close to bringing the game level at 2 but his shot from the point hit the post and stayed out of the net.

The Predators’ four-game sweep of the Chicago Blackhawks in the opening round of the postseason was just the beginning. No other goals were scored during this period, but more than a few penalties were drawn.

It’s true that Nashville has assembled one of the most impressive defenses in the entire league.