Predators advance, Oilers force deciding Game Seven
NASHVILLE: Ryan Johansen scored the game-winning goal 3:15 minutes into the third period to help the Nashville Predators advance to their first NHL Western Conference final in franchise history on Sunday by beating the St Louis Blues 3-1 to take the series in six games.
The Predators won their ninth straight play-off game in Nashville going back to last postseason.
Goalie Pekka Rinne made 23 saves and had an assist. Roman Josi had a goal and an assist, and Calle Jarnkrok added an emptynetter with 60 seconds left.
Nashville will play either Anaheim or Edmonton.
Paul Stastny scored for St Louis, who fell short of a second straight conference final.
“It’s a big step for the franchise,” Predators defenceman Roman Josi said. “This is such a great city, such a great hockey city, I think people finally recognise that. Our fans are unbelievable.”
Rinne said: “Right now, it means everything. We haven’t gotten further than this before. Obviously, it’s a great feeling. There’s a lot of work left. After this second round, there are only four teams left. We all know that we have what it takes and everything is in our hands.”
In Edmonton, Leon Draisaitl had three goals and two assists, while Mark Letestu added two goals and two assists as the Oilers cruised past the Anaheim Ducks 7-1 to force a decisive Game Seven in their Western Conference semi-final series.
Zach Kassian and Anton Slepychev also scored and Cam Talbot stopped 34 shots for the Oilers, who led 5-0 after the first period.
Rickard Rakell scored midway through the second period for Anaheim. John Gibson was pulled after giving up three goals on six shots less than 8½ minutes into the game. Jonathan Bernier came on and finished with 25 saves.
Game Seven is Thursday morning (Thai time) at Anaheim, with the winners advancing to face the Nashville Predators in the conference finals.