NHL playoffs Tuesday: Lightning stun Islanders with late comeback win in Game 3

2. Nashville can rock

OK, maybe we knew that on some level, but man do Predators fans bring it come playoff time. With their team down two games to none, backs against the wall, Bridgestone Arena was louder than any venue we’ve heard during the playoffs so far. And the Predators clearly fed on it, pressuring the Sharks at both ends with a vigor lacking in the first two games.

The Blues went into shut-down mode in the third. The Blues led in shots and killed off a Stars power play chance for the third time in the game. Penalties erupted in the final moments as Dallas’ frustrations boiled over, and Backes scored again to put the final nail in the coffin.

Note: if you’re squeamish about legs seemingly bending the wrong way maybe these following GIFs aren’t for you. Just a heads up.

Another look:

The Sharks got on the board first thanks to a poor decision by Rinne, who tried to break up Patrick Marleau’s solo rush and failed.

Rinne would settle down after that, keeping the Sharks off the scoresheet for the rest of the game.

The goal was probably worth keeping his head, if we’re being honest.

Game 4 is in New York on Friday.

Don’t worry, he was rescued and adopted. But now the series is in Nashville, where no stray cats live, right?

WRONG.