Predators Vs. Ducks, Game 5: Jerred Smithson’s Overtime Winner Gives Nashville 3-2 Series Lead

Ryan’s goal will be replayed over and over and over again on a short night in the NHL with two games played. ESPN made it the number one play, NHL Network’s NHL on the Fly probably played it five times within a half hour and it will get played on every season ending highlight reel.

The fact that the goal was pretty doesn’t really alleviate the fact that the Ducks still lost to the Predators in overtime on home ice again and are now on the verge of elimination heading to Nashville for Game 6. The Predators are looking for their first playoff series win in the franchise’s history with a Game 6 victory.

It didn’t take long for the Nashville Predators to strike in overtime on Friday night after tying the game with just 36 seconds left in regulation. Shea Weber played the role of hero in the third, burying a shot in desperation with time winding down and the Anaheim Ducks ahead by a goal, forcing overtime with the score tied at three. And in overtime, Nashville struck just as fast, putting away the game-winner just two minutes into the extra period to take a 3-2 advantage in the best-of-seven series.

Jerred Smithson made sure Weber’s goal was worthwhile, beating Ray Emery in overtime for the game-winner to give the Predators the 4-3 win and a one-game advantage in the series. Jordin Tootoo and Nick Spaling were credited with the assists as the Nashville bench erupted in jubilation.

The Anaheim Ducks fell into an early hole in their Game 5 matchup with the Nashville Predators, but rallied back in the second period to even the score. After Kevin Klein scored the go-ahead goal midway through the first period, the action waned as neither team was able to get anything going in the zone for the rest of the first and much of the second period. But with just about eight minutes left in the second, Shane O’Brien was whistled for tripping, giving the Ducks the opening they needed.

Anaheim took advantage of the power play as Jason Blake found the net to knot the score at one. Saku Koivu and Luca Sbisa were credited with the assists after setting up Blake’s game-tying goal. With the score level -- and the series level, as well -- both teams are headed for a frantic final 20 minutes.

The first period started slow in Anaheim as the Ducks and Nashville Predators began Game 5 of the NHL playoff matchup feeling each other out. With the series tied at two, it’s now a best of three game series, with little room for error for either team.

The Predators inched ahead after eight minutes, finding the back of the net to break the scoreless draw and take the early advantage. Kevin Klein was the goal scorer, beating Ray Emery to put Nashville in front, 1-0. Jordin Tootoo and Nick Spaling were credited with the assists on Klein’s go-ahead goal.