Stanley Cup Final Highlights
On June 3, 2017, the spotlight was on Pekka Rinne and the Nashville Predators during the third game of the Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Fans and players alike were on the edge of their seats as the Predators, having taken the lead in the series 2-1, faced a formidable Pittsburgh team that was eager to strike back.
Key Moments in the Game
Moments into the third period, a familiar play from the Penguins unveiled itself. Bryan Rust’s shot rebounded off Rinne’s pad, allowing Jake Guentzel to score effortlessly and secure the lead for his team. This move, as later confirmed by players, was a rehearsed tactic that the Penguins executed flawlessly.
As the game progressed, the tension mounted. Rinne’s skills were notably on display as he was determined not to let history repeat itself. When Penguins forward Phil Kessel attempted to convert another rebound, his shot was met with Rinne’s swift reflexes; this time, he successfully denied Chris Kunitz from scoring. The moment sparked excitement, particularly for Predators defenseman P.K. Subban, who couldn’t contain his triumph and allegedly let slip a less-than-family-friendly expression in the heat of the moment.
Player Interactions and Banter
Crosby, a star player for Pittsburgh, took a moment to address Subban’s exuberance, playfully noting the athlete’s breath. “He mentioned my breath smelled bad, which puzzled me since I used Listerine before the game,” Subban remarked, defending his hygiene choices. Rinne, ever the supportive teammate, affirmed Subban’s commitment to his dental regimen, highlighting that he “flosses every day.”
Predators’ Dominance
Despite the banter, the core of the game lay in the performance of the Predators. Coach Peter Laviolette’s strategic adjustments had paid off, with the team dominating the ice and effectively neutralizing the Penguins’ top offensive stars, including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kessel, who collectively failed to register a shot throughout the game. Rinne’s impressive goaltending and his team’s cohesion proved pivotal as they continued to assert their superiority in the series.
