Game 3 vs Penguins 2017
Nashville's first Stanley Cup Final home game ignites a city.
Game 3 of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final between the Nashville Predators and the Pittsburgh Penguins is one of the most iconic matches in franchise history. Played at Bridgestone Arena on June 5, 2017, this game marked the first Stanley Cup Final game ever held in Nashville, igniting an electric atmosphere that became legendary. The Predators, trailing 2-0 in the series, faced a must-win situation against the defending champion Penguins, and the contest delivered a dramatic, hard-fought battle that showcased the team's resilience and the fervor of their fanbase.
- Event
- 2017 Stanley Cup Final, Game 3
- Venue
- Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee
- Result
- Nashville Predators 5, Pittsburgh Penguins 1
- Series
- Penguins lead 2-1
- Key Player
- Pekka Rinne (Predators goaltender) with 27 saves
Lore & Background
The 2017 Stanley Cup Final was a historic moment for the Nashville Predators, who had never advanced beyond the second round before that season. After sweeping the Chicago Blackhawks and defeating the St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks, the Predators faced the mighty Pittsburgh Penguins, the defending champions led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Game 3 was the first Final game in Nashville, and the city transformed into a sea of gold as fans lined the streets and packed the arena, creating a deafening roar that became a defining memory of the series.
In Their Own Story
The air inside Bridgestone Arena was thick with anticipation as the crowd roared, 'Let's Go Preds!' The ice gleamed under the lights, and the golden jerseys of the fans seemed to blur into a single, living entity. As the puck dropped, the Predators attacked with a fury, scoring early and never looking back. Pekka Rinne stood tall in net, turning aside shot after shot, while the team's forecheck suffocated the Penguins. The final horn brought a thunderous ovation, and the city of Nashville celebrated its first taste of Stanley Cup Final victory.
Reader's Guide
Game 3 was a pivotal moment in the 2017 Stanley Cup Final, with the Predators facing elimination pressure after losing the first two games in Pittsburgh. The occasion was the first Final game in Nashville's history, and the atmosphere was electric. The Predators came out flying, scoring three goals in the first period to stun the Penguins. Goals from Roman Josi, Frederick Gaudreau, and others built a commanding lead, while Pekka Rinne's goaltending shut down Pittsburgh's stars. The 5-1 victory gave Nashville new life and showcased their ability to compete with the best. This match is remembered for the deafening crowd noise, the team's relentless energy, and the sense that the Predators belonged on hockey's biggest stage. It remains a cherished moment in franchise lore, symbolizing the city's passion and the team's historic run.
Did You Know?
- The Predators' 5-1 win was their largest margin of victory in a Stanley Cup Final game.
- Frederick Gaudreau, a rookie, scored two goals in Game 3, becoming an unlikely hero.
- This was the first Stanley Cup Final game played in the state of Tennessee.
More in Iconic Matches
Elsewhere in the Nashville Predators universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record