ANAHEIM, California (AP) — A few moments after James Neal crumpled Anaheim’s Brandon Montour with a vicious check, the Nashville forward took a pass from P.K. Subban and ripped a shot past three Ducks for the winning overtime goal.
Even in uncharted territory for this franchise, the Predators are still rolling through the Stanley Cup playoffs with their distinct combination of smash and flash.
Neal scored 9:24 into OT, Pekka Rinne made 27 saves and the Predators kicked off their first appearance in the NHL Western Conference finals with a 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night.