Predators Dominate But Penguins Win Game 1 of Stanley Cup Finals

If you need proof that it’s not the number of shots you take, it’s how many go in the net that counts, we give you Exhibit A. In the opener of the Stanley Cup finals in Pittsburgh, the Penguins took just 12 shots in the entire game, including none in the second period, compared to 26 by the Nashville Predators. But five of Pittsburgh’s shots scored goals (including one empty netter) and the defending champion Penguins took Game 1 5-3.

Nashville outplayed Pittsburgh for most of the game, but the Penguins somehow managed to pull it out for the victory. The Predators had what appeared to be the first goal of the game on a shot by P.K. Subban at 7:13 of the first period, but the play was overturned as offside after video review. That seemed to throw Nashville off its game, and the Penguins scored three times in the 1st period, beginning with a power play goal by Evgeni Malkin at 15:32 and ending with Nick Bonino scoring with 17 seconds left to give Pittsburgh a 3-0 lead after one period.

Nashville regained its focus and held the Penguins without a shot in the second period, and managed to get one score on a power play goal by Ryan Ellis. In the third, Colton Sissons scored on a power play at 10:06 and Frederick Gaudreau scored his first goal of the post season at 13:29 to tie it at 3-3. With momentum building, there was plenty of time for Nashville to take the lead over the seemingly dazed Penguins. Someone had to step up and make a play for Pittsburgh, and someone did. Jake Guentzel took Pittsburgh’s first shot in 37 minutes of play and scored at 16:43 to give the Penguins the lead. Bonino added an empty netter late and Pittsburgh escaped with a 5-3 victory.

That was a wild and wacky game. Game 2 is May 31st in Pittsburgh.