Jets defeat Preds in Game 7, advance to West Final
Just like we all predicted, the Winnipeg Jets will face the Vegas Golden Nights in the 2018 Western Conference Final.
The Jets got two goals and an assist from trade deadline acquisition Paul Stastny to help them defeat the Predators 5-1 in Game 7 of their second-round series at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday evening. Mark Scheifele also scored twice, setting the NHL record for most playoff goals on the road in a playoff series (seven).
Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stopped 36 of 37 shots to secure the victory. Winnipeg is going to the Conference Final for the first time in franchise history.
The Predators won the Presidents Trophy and were predicted by many to return to the Stanley Cup Final.
Pekka Rinne was pulled just 10:47 into the game after allowing two goals on seven shots.
#NHLPreds Pekka Rinne gets the quickest hook for a starting goalie in the history of NHL Game 7s (10:47)
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) May 11, 2018
It was the fourth time this postseason Rinne has been pulled and third time at home. The Finnish netminder struggled on home ice throughout the postseason, posting a .848 save percentage at Bridgestone Arena.
Pekka Rinne pulled during the first period of Game 7. Sitting by himself alone in the tunnel pic.twitter.com/VbbaUP3OsJ
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) May 11, 2018
P.K. Subban scored the lone goal for Nashville, while Juuse Saros made 14 saves in relief of Rinne.
Subban stuck up for his goaltender in a passionate post-game interview:
P.K. Subban with a passionate defense of his goaltender Pekka Rinne following a loss in Game 7 pic.twitter.com/ykezFzdNPK
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) May 11, 2018
Winnipeg will host Vegas in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final on Saturday. The puck drops at 7:00 PM EST on NBC.