Penguins vs. Predators Game 5 Could Decide Stanley Cup Winner

The NHL final playoffs between the Pittsburgh Penguins And Nashville Predators has been a see-saw battle during the last four games. The Penguins who are the defending champions looked to be on a roll winning the first two games of the playoffs but the Predators fought back incredibly well to win the last two matches and tie the 7 game series at 2-2.

Game 5 will take place on Thursday night – June 8 and will be a crucial game for both teams as a win for either side would mean they are just another win away from getting their hands on the Stanley Cup. The Penguins will have the home side advantage as they play Game 5 in Pittsburgh.

However should the Predators manage to pull off yet another amazing victory, then they will have the opportunity to play Game 6 at home and a win in front of the home crown would be a memorable experience for the players.

However both hockey teams are not letting their thoughts get ahead of them as they realize that there are a number of areas where they need to improve if they want to go all the way. Peter Laviolette, the Predators coach has stated that his team has done well under pressure as they showed in the manner in which they bounced back from the 0-2 lead. The Predators have shown that their players have lots of energy towards the end of the game and will push themselves till the end to impose pressure on the Penguins.

Game 4 – Extended Highlights

Penguins coach Mike Sullivan believes his team still has the upper hand as they are not only the defending champions but have the experience of playing in pressure matches. He believes the Penguins leadership is top notch and the entire team has shown that they can handle adversity very well. Both teams are aware that Game 5 could end up being the crucial game that made the difference between being winners and losers.

In a statement, Sullivan said

We’ve got good players. They understand the circumstances. We felt as though, with each game we played here, our team game is getting stronger, certainly our coaching staff felt as though the game last night might have been our best overall game in the series to this point. We were disappointed that we ended up on the wrong side of the score, but there was a lot to like about that game.