The Predators have experienced winning a Game 7 on the road already and believe the emotion of it is what separates it from any other playoff game. They defeated the Anaheim Ducks 2-1 at Honda Center in the first Game 7 in their history on April 27, and will become the first team since the 2004 Tampa Bay Lightning to play its first two Game 7s in consecutive playoff series.
"Just knowing someone's going home, you're ending someone's season," Predators forward Ryan Johansen said. "As players, that's what you think about the day before games, game days or when you put your head on the pillow at night is all the work you've put in all year long and all of the sacrifices you make.
"It all comes down to one game. That's why these are so much fun to watch as fans and as family and friends of ours. They see the passion and emotion that comes out of all of us and how we throw everything on the line just to win one hockey game. That's why this time of year is so exciting."
The Predators are going to make sure they focus on the details that go into winning games, particularly on the road.
"Everything is so meaningful at this time of the year, and everything matters," Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne said. "You don't want to give them a chance on the power play. That's their strength. Little things, getting pucks deep and not turning it over, myself making a save. I think you just try to do it for your teammates and for yourself at the same time."
