May 16, 2017
Roman Josi scored late in the 3rd period on a power play goal, and the Predators defeated the Ducks 2-1 in game 3 of the Western Conference Finals at Bridgestone Arena. Nashville leads the best-of-seven series 2-1.
Josi put home a rebound from the right circle after John Gibson made the initial save on a shot by Viktor Arvidsson from the blue line. Gibson could not find the rebound, which allowed Josi to take advantage of an open corner of the net. It was the Predators’ first power play goal of the series.
The Ducks held a 1-0 lead heading into the 3rd period, but Filip Forsberg tied the game nearly 4 minutes into the period. Forsberg beat Sami Vatanen to a lose puck behind the Anaheim goal, then centered the puck to Ryan Ellis, whose shot was stopped by Gibson. However, the rebound bounced back to Forsberg who was standing off to the side of the net, allowing him to put the puck past Gibson for his 6th goal of the season. Gibson made 38 saves on the night.
The Predators had two goals that were waived off after Forsberg’s goal. Officials waived off first a would-be goal by Colton Sissons at 6:25 and then Ryan Johansen’s goal at 6:33.
After a scoreless 1st period, the Ducks took a 1-0 lead on a power play goal from Corey Perry. Perry fired the puck from a sharp angle near the goal line, which bounced off Pekka Rinne’s leg and into the net. It was his 3rd goal of the season.
The Ducks got off to a fast start, outshooting Nashville 8-4 to open the game. However, the Predators took the next 11 shots and outshot Anaheim 40-20 for the game.
Anaheim had their own goal disallowed in the 2nd period. Brandon Montour’s backhander got by Rinne, and it appeared the puck had cross the goal line. However, the net came off its moorings at the same time with Nashville defenseman Mattias Ekholm crashing into it. The goal was disallowed immediately.
Keith Urban sang the national anthem, and his wife, Nicole Kidman was in attendance. Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota was in attendance as well.
Game 4 of the series will be on Thursday night Nashville.