Predators keep focus with final step in sight

NASHVILLE, TENN. — The Nashville Predators don’t have their top centre, and their captain is day to day with an upper-body injury. They still have Pekka Rinne in net. And the Predators have a chance at history on their own ice, a win away from the first Stanley Cup final berth in the franchise history.

As coach Peter Laviolette put it, the guys know what’s at stake.

Standing in their way? The Anaheim Ducks, the only team to beat them in their home rink in the playoffs over the past two post-seasons.

The Predators returned home with a 3-2 Western Conference final lead after a 3-1 victory against the Ducks in Anaheim on Saturday led by Rinne, who is 7-3 in the Honda Center in the post-season. To avoid a return trip for a Game 7 to test that once again, they can eliminate the Ducks on Monday night in Game 6.

“We obviously know what’s at stake,” forward Colin Wilson said Sunday. “It is one game at a time, but we know our next win puts us in contention for the Stanley Cup. So it’s something we’re focused on, but it is just about that next game, getting the next win.”

The Predators are 10-1 at Bridgestone Arena the past two post-seasons. Another record crowd is expected for what will be the biggest sporting event in Nashville history. They could hear the cheering fans the instant they stepped off the plane, and Laviolette said he knows Monday night will be crazy.

That leaves it up to the Predators to handle business on the ice.

“We got to put our foot on the gas pedal again, and make sure we’re ready to play,” Laviolette said.

Nothing can be taken for granted in this series.

The Ducks and Predators have been tied or within a goal for 284 minutes, 38 seconds of the 319:49 played. Scoring first has been no guarantee either with the winner coming back four times.

“They’re never out of the game, out of a series, so yeah, got to make sure we’re prepared,” Predators defenceman Roman Josi said.