The Stanley Cup Finals started with a bang last night as the Penguins beat the Predators 5-3 to open up the best-of-seven final.
After a PK Subban goal was called back following a coaches’ challenge for offside, Pittsburgh stormed back with three unanswered goals from Evgeni Malkin, Conor Sheary and Nick Bonino.
The second period was a complete turn-around, as Pittsburgh was held without a shot (the first time that has happened in a playoff game for the Penguins), and defenceman Ryan Ellis scored on the powerplay from Subban and Fisher to bring the Predators to within two.
Colton Sissions and Frederick Gaudreau added goals for Nashville to tie the game in the third, before Jake Guentzel scored his 10th of the playoffs and Nick Bonino scored his second of the night to push Pittsburgh over the top.
Pekka Rinne stopped seven of the 11 shots he faced for the Predators.
Matt Murray picked up his fourth win of the playoffs, stopping 23 of 26.
Game two goes tomorrow night in Pittsburgh before the series shifts to Nashville for games three and four.
(Photo courtesy of NHL.com)
