Western Conference Quarterfinal Game 3
Predators 3, Red Wings 2 (Box Score, Recap)
MVP
Pekka Rinne: It has to be Pekka Rinne. It can't be anybody other than Pekka Rinne. Once the Predators took a 2-1 lead into the third period it was all about sitting back and holding off the final push by the Red Wings, and man did they push. The third period was nothing but Detroit as it outshot Nashville 19-4, but Rinne was nearly unbeatable and gave the Predators an opportunity to get the third goal.Turning Point
With the Red Wings trailing 2-1 late in the second period, Johan Franzen appeared to have a game-tying goal just before the horn sounded. It would have been an enormous goal for the Wings and a crushing blow for the Predators to give up the equalizer that late in the period.The only problem for Detroit: Time had expired just before the puck crossed the line. Predators kept the lead, and ended up winning by one goal. It doesn't get any closer than this.
It was...
A clinic by one of the best goalies in the NHL. When the Predators signed Rinne to a seven-year contract earlier in the season I wasn't quite sure it was the right move at the time, but he's been the difference maker all season for Nashville. He's the reason Nashville is up 2-1 in this series.For more hockey news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnHockey and @agretz on Twitter and like us on Facebook
