Down 2-0 in a series against the defending Stanley Cup champions, you could excuse the Vegas odds makers for not giving the Nashville Predators much of a chance to not only tie, but win the Stanley Cup. Yet, here we are all tied up at two games apiece and the best of seven has become a best of three.
So, who holds the advantage heading into game 5? The Predators certainly have momentum on their side. They’ve won back to back games and have carried the play for much of the opening four games. They’ve outshot the Penguins cumulatively 123-91 and have dominated in terms of puck possession statistics.
The Penguins, of course, have home ice advantage not just for game 5, but for a potential game 7 as well. The Pens have been nearly unbeatable at PPG Paints Arena this postseason with a 9-3 record. In the series’ first two games, the Penguins certainly did not play up to expectations, but nevertheless came away with two victories. Funny how that works out on home ice sometimes…
Regardless of who you’re cheering for, game 5 has all the makings of a classic game. Both teams have battled hard to get to this point and will stop at nothing to gain an advantage in the series. So, what will win the day? Momentum or home ice?
