After capturing the Western Conference title last week, the Nashville Predators were eagerly awaiting their opponents for the 2017 Stanley Cup finals. The series between the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins would go seven games, and after a thrilling double overtime, the Pittsburgh Penguins won game seven, 3-2, and advanced to fight for hockey’s most esteemed trophy.
The Nashville Predators have been the biggest surprise of the playoffs, starting off the postseason by sweeping the Chicago Blackhawks, then defeating both the St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks in six games respectively to get to the finals. The Pittsburgh Penguins, who are the defending Stanley Cup champions, made it to this point by defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets in five games, then having back-to-back seven game series against the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators.
This is the first time since 2008-09 where a team had made consecutive Stanley Cup final appearance. Â While their opponent, Â the Nashville Predators, are making their first ever appearance in their 18-year franchise history. Both teams are looking forward to the challenge, the excitement, and the amazement that is the Stanley Cup finals.
“It’s obviously very special to be mentioned in the same breath as teams that have made back-to-back Cups,” Penguins right winger Bryan Rust told reporters. He also mentioned that will be “fun” and a “challenge” to play Nashville, calling them “a good team.”
This will also be the first Stanley Cup finals in NHL history that both head coaches are US-born. Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan is from Marshfield, Massachusetts and Predators head coach Peter Laviolette is from Franklin, Massachusetts.
Game one of the series is set for Memorial Day at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. It’s yellowed out, it’s mayhem, it’s the Cup finals. Buckle up for one crazy ride!
