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

The Nashville Predators have a couple of Stanley Cup Final playoff games under their belt, and when they return home to Bridgestone Arena Saturday night, they will have one of the loudest and most raucous crowds in the NHL backing them.

But make no mistake about it, the Preds are under significant pressure. They dropped the first two games of the series despite outshooting the Pittsburgh Penguins in each, and they know they must win Game 3 in order to have a chance of getting back into the series.

The teams will face off at 8 p.m. ET, and NBCSN will televise the game.

The Predators also have to find a way to back up P.K. Subban's words, because the defenseman has promised that his team would win the third game of the series.

He first uttered those words in the locker room at PPG Paints Arena following Nashville's 4-1 loss in Game 2. And he did not back on the comments after having a night to sleep on them.

"I feel even more confident now that I've had a night of rest," Subban said, per Nicholas J. Cotsonika of NHL.com. "There's no question. We're going to win the next game, and then we'll move forward."

In many ways, Subban's word are refreshing because so many athletes refuse to say what's on their minds. The blueliner may have given the Pens bulletin-board material, but he doesn't care because he feels confident his team can turn it around at home.

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

If the Predators are going to be successful in Game 3, they will require a much better effort from goaltender Pekka Rinne. After performing in stellar fashion through the first three rounds of the playoffs, Rinne has faltered in the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final.

The 34-year-old has been at his best at home in the postseason. He has a 7-1 record, with a 1.54 goals-against average and a .947 save percentage at Bridgestone Arena.

The Preds are going to have to get to Penguins goalie Matt Murray the way the Penguins have attacked Rinne in the first two games.

That may not be easy because Murray is a cool customer who already has a Stanley Cup to his credit, having been in net for Pittsburgh's successful run last year.

Murray said the Penguins understand what they will be facing in Nashville, per Dan Rosen of NHL.com: "We know it's going to be more of a challenge in Nashville. They have a good home record, and they come out really hard in that building."

Pittsburgh should be as well-prepared as any visiting team because it is a veteran team that knows how to win on the road. 

Keith Srakocic/Associated Press

"I think that's what the biggest takeaway is of these players going through these types of experiences in the past is," Pens head coach Mike Sullivan said, per Rosen. "They know what to expect, and they know not to overreact or underreact to any sort of situation that presents itself through the course of this series."

The Predators received outstanding play from their defensive core throughout the first three rounds of the playoffs, and if they are going to get back into the series against the Penguins, they need Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis, Mattias Ekholm and Subban to start firing pucks into the net once again.

Nashville has dominated with possession for large periods of both games against the Penguins so far. They will have to capitalize on their scoring opportunities in order to win Game 3.

The oddsmakers believe the Predators have a good chance of getting back in this series. Nashville is a minus-129 favorite to win Game 3, according to OddsShark. This means a bettor would have to wager $129 on the home team to earn a profit of $100. The Penguins are plus-117 underdogs.

Prediction

Nashville has had a sensational playoff run, but the Preds unraveled a bit in the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final.

It may be difficult for them to come back and win this series after falling into an 0-2 hole, but they should be able to come out with their best effort in Game 3.

The thunderous crowd should help the Predators play with fire and enthusiasm, and they should be able to build a lead.

The Penguins won't fold on the road, and they may mount a comeback. However, look for Nashville to hang on and breathe life into the series. Winning Game 4 may be a different story, but the Predators will win Game 3.