The Nashville Predators have beaten the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in overtime in game one of their NHL Western Conference final series.
A few moments after Nashville's James Neal crumpled Anaheim's Brandon Montour with a vicious check, the forward took a pass from PK Subban and ripped a shot past three Ducks for the winning goal.
In uncharted territory, the Predators are rolling through the playoffs with their distinct combination of smash and flash.
Filip Forsberg and Austin Watson scored in regulation for the Predators, who improved to 9-2 in the postseason.
They also won their third-straight series opener on the road, continuing their month-long run of relentless play.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"It shows a lot of character," Predators goalie Pekka Rinne said.
"I thought (Ducks goalie John) Gibson played a strong game tonight, but guys stuck with it.
"We've been doing that the whole playoffs. It's a great sign for a team."
Game 2 is Sunday night.
Nashville got off to a strong start and followed it up with a gritty overtime effort after Hampus Lindholm's first playoff goal in two years tied it for the Ducks in the third period.
Neal put a long shot past a sprawled Gibson after a prolonged threat by the Predators that left Anaheim's defence in disarray. The goal was the veteran forward's third in four games.
"I don't know if it hit the goalie or the player that was laying in front still," Neal said.
"But it was a good feeling to see it go in."
Jakob Silfverberg scored on the Ducks' first shot, and Gibson stopped 43 shots in a stellar performance.
"We knew they were going to come hard," Gibson said.
"It was their first game in a while. We weren't our best, but we lost in overtime.
"We haven't played a team like that in a while. We got better as the game went on."
