There’s little sense denying the Pittsburgh Penguins’ luck through 40 minutes against the Nashville Predators in Game 1.
Through the first period, some favorable calls and a lucky bounce or two helped Pittsburgh generate a stunning 3-0 lead. Pittsburgh ended the opening frame with a burst of activity after a strong start to the Stanley Cup Final by Nashville.
The Predators regained their composure and confidence in the second, resulting in a dominant display on the ice (if not on the scoreboard).
The Penguins only managed couldn’t even manage a single, measly shot on goal against Pekka Rinne during the middle frame, but unfortunately for Nashville, some dominant puck possession only resulted in a goal by Ryan Ellis.
The @PredsNHL are the first team to hold an opponent to 0 shots in a period in #StanleyCup Final since NHL began tracking SOG in 1957-58. pic.twitter.com/uvInUXUrQ4
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 30, 2017
A 3-1 deficit is digestible, if frustrating, for Nashville. We’ll see if they can get back into Game 1 in the third period.