It's been a series full of suspensions, dirty play and back-and-forth momentum, and as the scene shifts West for Game 5 between the Nashville Predators and Anaheim Ducks on Friday night, we should probably expect more of the same.
Predators Vs. Ducks, Game 5: Nashville Needs Pekka Rinne To Bounce Back In Pivotal Matchup
Bobby Ryan returns for the Ducks, a move that cannot be overlooked, after stomping on the foot of Preds defenseman Jonathan Blum. Jarkko Ruutu will sit for Anaheim, however, after being suspended for his hit on Martin Erat. Obviously, Ryan is a much more important piece that Ruutu, so it's actually a net-gain for the team in terms of Game 5.
The key for Nashville will be the guy who's been the key for the all season, goaltender Pekka Rinne. He was horrible in Anaheim's Game 4 win and ultimately was yanked in the third period, and if he's not going to be good, the Predators probably aren't going to win this series. He is the x-factor, you could say.
Ray Emery will be in goal for the Ducks. For more on the series, check in with our Preds blog, On the Forecheck and our Ducks blog, Anaheim Calling. You can also find full coverage of the series right here at SBNation.com.
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