Stanley Cup Final 2017: Predators vs. Penguins TV Schedule, Odds, Game 3 Pick

The Nashville Predators came to PPG Paints Arena with a plan to assert themselves in the Stanley Cup Final against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

While the Predators have outshot the Penguins in both games, they find themselves in an 0-2 hole after dropping a 4-1 decision in Game 2 Wednesday night.

Game 1 seemed to be an anomaly as the Preds dominated in every area but the scoreboard. Game 2 was much more competitive, and after the two teams battled on even terms for 40 minutes, the Penguins scored three quick goals at the start of the third period to seize control of the game.

The series shifts to Nashville for Game 3 on Saturday night, and the Predators need a reversal of fortune if they are going to keep this series competitive. Face off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised by NBCSN.

Goaltender Pekka Rinne was the best player for the Preds throughout their playoff wins over the Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks. However, he appears to have lost his magic in the two games in Pittsburgh.

Rinne gave up the go-ahead goal 10 seconds into the third period when Jake Guentzel jumped on a rebound and skittered his shot into the far side of the net. Rinne had kicked out a rebound of a Bryan Rust shot almost directly to Guentzel, who took advantage for his second goal of the game, both on rebounds.

"We were talking about that, just throwing pucks off a pad and see what happens," Guentzel told NBC Sports (h/t NHL.com). 

Rinne is now 0-5 in Pittsburgh during his career, and his only career victory against the Penguins came in a relief appearance.

Head coach Peter Laviolette tried to keep an optimistic perspective after the game, even though his team is in a fairly deep chasm. 

"We've done good things," Laviolette said, per the Associated Press (h/t CBS Sports). "For 5 1/2 periods, we like what we did. There's a stretch they're able to gain some momentum, able to capitalize and be opportunistic and that swung two games in their favor."

After Guentzel's go-ahead goal, Scott Wilson scored at the 3:13 mark on a shot that deflected off Nashville defenseman Mattias Ekholm, and Evgeni Malkin fired in a wrist shot 15 seconds later.

Penguins goalie Matt Murray gave up the game-opening goal to Pontus Aberg on a brilliant solo move, but he stopped 37 of 38 Nashville shots. He has clearly outplayed Rinne in the first two games of the series. 

The Penguins are favored to take their second consecutive Stanley Cup. Prior to their Game 2 victory Wednesday night, they were minus-240 favorites to hoist the cup, according to OddsShark. Those betting on the Penguins needed to risk $240 in order to win $100. The Preds were plus-200 underdogs.

The odds on the Penguins are likely to get even more imposing prior to puck drop Saturday night at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

Prediction

The change of venue should result in a much better and more productive game for the Predators. They are likely to build a lead and force the Penguins to play catch-up.

Emotion should help the Predators carry the lead into the third period, but the Pens have been in these situations many times and they know how to come through.

It will come down to Rinne bouncing back and finding his form. He may give up a shaky goal or two, but he will find his way in the final minutes and help the Predators get their first win of the series in front of their adoring home fans.