Preds rout Pens 5-1, pull within 2-1 in Stanley Cup Final

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Predators coach Peter Laviolette heard all the questions and criticism of Pekka Rinne aft er t he goaltender's struggles in the Stanley Cup Final in Pittsburgh.

Well, Laviolette never thought of switching goalies.

A change of scenery helped Rinne and all his Nashville teammates as they dominated once again on their own ice for the biggest piece of franchise history yet.

A victory in the Stanley Cup Final.

Roman Josi and Frederick Gaudreau scored 42 seconds apart in the second period, and the Predators beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5- 1 Saturday night to pull within 2-1 in the best-of-seven series. Rinne started and made 27 saves against a Pittsburgh team that continued to struggle on the power play and lacked the same zip they had in winning the first two games at home.

"There was no decision," Laviolette said of changing goalies. "He was terrific. I said that after Game 2. He's been the backbone for our team. He's been excellent. His game tonight was rock solid."

The Predators capped the biggest party in Nashville history with a victory that gave thousands of fans inside and outside of the arena reason to celebrate. Country star Keith Urban and wife, actress Nicole Kidman, were high- fiving inside the arena and they had plenty of company. Credit Rinne for coming through with a stingy performance and helping the Predators improve to 8-1 at home this postseason.

The 6- foot -5 F inn looked so shaky in the first two games, giving up eight goals on just 36 shots. Laviolette benched him in the third period of Game 2 when Rinne gave up three goals in the first 3:28 of a 4-1 loss.

Rinne said he changed nothing and knew he was playing all the time. Nashville fans did their best to lift his spirits by chanting his name in pregame warm-ups.