The Nashville Predators beat the St Louis Blues yesterday in game three of the Stanley Cup finals by the score of 3-1. They now have a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Through the first series against Chicago and three games against Saint Looie, Predators defensemen have produced seven goals and 14 assists. They were wheeling and dealing.

Defenseman Ryan Ellis got the Predators started with the first goal of the game. He has been on fire in the playoffs. He now has eight playoff points through seven games.

Preds Coach Peter Laviolette will tell you Ellis is one of the Predators top leaders, on the ice and in the locker room. Defenseman P.K. Subban is playing Stanley Cup hockey. He is a fly in the Blues ointment.
The Predators went up 2-0, despite being only 0-for-4 on power plays. It had to have St. Louis singing the Blues. The Blues got their only goal in the second period and the Predators tacked on a third goal courtesy of Roman Josi, just for insurance. It wasn’t needed.

As usual goalie Pekka Rinne was golden. He had 22 saves as the Blues smothered the Preds net much of the game. They had ample chances, but cashed in only once.

It marked the first time in franchise history that the Predators have held a lead in the second series. They return to Bridgestone Arena Tuesday night for an 8:30 p.m. game.