Stanley Cup Final is Set: Nashville Predators vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Stanley Cup Final is set. The Nashville Predators will take on the defending champions Pittsburgh Penguins. Game One is on Monday Night with puck drop at 8:00pm EST. The Predators are in the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in franchise history, while the Penguins are looking to go back to back for the first time since the Detroit Redwings in 1997, 1998. Here is a breakdown of how both teams got to this point.
Pittsburgh Penguins:
First Round: Columbus Blue Jackets (4-1)
Second Round: Washington Capitals (4-3)
Third Round: Ottawa Senators: (4-3)
Pittsburgh has played well without well without defensemen Kris Letang while having a line with Crosby, Malkin, and Kessel. They’ve played two long series that went seven which was against the Capitals and the Senators. Making the change in net with Matt Murray has made this team harder to beat and they have a quick turnaround to game-plan for the Predators. Penguins chase for back to back Cups starts Monday night.
Nashville Predators
First Round: Chicago Blackhawks (4-0)
Second Round: St. Louis Blues (4-2)
Third Round: Anaheim Ducks (4-2)
Nashville is in the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in franchise history. They have never faced elimination in the playoffs this year. They shocked the hockey world when they swept the Blackhawks and they never looked back when playing two other great teams like the St. Louis Blues and the Anaheim Ducks. Even though they’ve played great, they lost some key players like Kevin Fiala and Ryan Johansen. Nashville is the perfect team to go up against the Penguins because they have the defense to take down the killer line with Crosby, Malkin, and Kessel. James Neal and P.K. Subban will need to play big in this series to raise the Cup. Nashville is coming off long rest and they’re hopeful Mike Fisher will be ready to go in Game 1.
