Preds reach 1st Western final in team history, ousting Blues
NASHVILLE — Ryan Johansen celebrated his game-winning goal with a windmill fist pump, and the Nashville Predators finished off the rest of a thrilling third period with the standing-room only crowd on their feet anticipating history.
Yes, the team that plays in a place called “Smashville” is going someplace the Predators have never been before: The Western Conference final.
Johansen scored 3:15 into the third, and the Predators advanced to the conference finals in their fourth try by beating the St. Louis Blues 3-1 to take the series in six games.
“It’s a big step for the franchise,” Predators defenceman Roman Josi said. “This is such a great city, such a great hockey city, I think people finally recognize that. Our fans are unbelievable.”