Despite playing without two of their top three centers, the Nashville Predators skated out of Anaheim with a 3-1 Game 5 victory last night (Saturday, May 21, 2017) in the Western Conference Final.

With 9:00 to play, Filip Forsberg fired on Jonathan Bernier and Pontus Aberg was there for the go-ahead goal – and a 2-1 Nashville lead. It was Aberg’s first career playoff goal and he was skating on the first line in place of the injured Ryan Johansen.

Austin Watson added an empty netter in the closing seconds for the insurance goal, 3-1. It was his second goal of the playoffs.

Despite playing shorthanded, the 1st period was a draw with both teams failing to score on 10 shots.

Both teams found the back of the net in the 2nd period, though. It was Anaheim striking first when Chris Wagner buried a rebound past Pekka Rinne for his 2nd playoff goal and a 1-0 lead.
Late in the second period, Filip Forsberg drew a high stick on Josh Manson. The Predators pounced on the opportunity when Colin Wilson scored his second goal of the post season to tie it up at 1-1. It was Wilson’s 13th career playoff goal – tying for most in Predator history.

The Predators can close out the series Monday night (May 22, 2017) at Bridgestone Arena when they host Game 6 of the Western Conference Final. They lead the series 3-2.