With three minutes left in regulation time in Sunday's playoff game against Vancouver, the Predators had every reason to believe they were on their way to a showdown in this first-round series.
Minutes later, they made franchise history — unfortunately, the wrong kind.
In a stunning comeback from a Predators-dominated Game 4, the Canucks scored twice in the final three minutes of the third period and Elias Lindholm scored just 1:02 into overtime for a 4-3 victory. I got it.
In the blink of an eye, the Predators were down 3-1 in the best-of-seven Stanley Cup Playoff series, and were eliminated with one loss. Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday at 9pm CT in Vancouver.
Despite trailing 30-20 in Game 4, the Canucks won the two games played at Bridgestone Arena (both wins for Vancouver) by a combined 60-32 margin.
Sunday's contest marked the first time in franchise history that the Predators lost in the playoffs while leading by two points in the third period.
“I thought we played really well for 55 minutes,” Predators captain Roman Josi said. “Even in the third period, I thought…we scored early, but I felt like we continued to push, continued to be aggressive and didn't give them much.” Fourth goal. It was obviously a crazy ending. ”
Added Predators coach Andrew Brunette: I think this time was tough, especially the way we played throughout the whole game. I really liked the third season. Near the end I got a little heartbroken and lost my cool a little. ”
Vancouver's Brock Boeser, who had a hat trick, had two 6-on-5 goals after the Canucks pulled goaltender Artur Silovs with about 3:20 left in regulation time. Boeser cut Nashville's lead to 3-2 with a backdoor score with 2:47 left, then followed up on his own rebound for the tying score with just eight ticks left.
Between those goals, Pres forward Colton Sissons had a chance to decide the game, but his backhand attempt from the sideboards into an empty net bounced off the right goal post.
“Obviously he was trying to score and it hit the post and then they scored two,” Joshi said. “It's just unlucky. There's nothing else to say. It's really unlucky. He's trying to score. Everybody was trying to do the same thing and it didn't work out.”
Lindholm, wide open at the crease, received a pass from Conor Garland from behind the goal and scored the winning goal from close range.
“upon [the two third-period goals], we felt like we got beat up on the ice and then… we played to get rid of it and kind of exposed it,” the brunette said. “Again, they're going to look different. A lot of things happened. I think tonight they allowed one faceoff goal and two 6-on-5 goals, but you can't do something like that and lose a game. I don't know if I've been through too much.”
As with many things in this series, the Predators were left wondering what happened.
Nashville held the lead into the third period in three of four games in the series, outscored Vancouver 100-71 in four games, and faced a backup goaltender in three of four games. However, despite all these advantages, Prez realized that he needed to win his third straight match. Two of his games will be in Vancouver.
“I like most parts of this series, especially here at home,” Prets forward Gustav Nyquist said. “There's a lot to like about our game. We just let it flow. [Sunday’s loss] And please continue. ”
The Canucks had their first shot on goal for the second consecutive contest, but the Predators' relentless forechecking ultimately paid off, with Mark Jankowski, Nyquist and Filip Forsberg scoring early in the third period. Nashville led 3-1.
As the third game passed and the Canucks had little offense, it looked like the Predators would be celebrating their first home playoff win since May 2021.
It couldn't be like that.
“I think we've gotten better and better in this series, and I thought tonight was probably our best game,” Joshi said. “It was definitely a deserved win. But yeah, I'm going to have to put this behind me when I get on the plane to Vancouver tomorrow.”
Probably easier said than done.
