Playoff Records, Social Moments and a Throwback Celebration
Smashville Celebrates as Vernon Fiddler Gives Predators First-Ever Lead in Round Two
by Thomas Willis @TomAWillis / Digital Manager & Producer
The Jaw-Dropping Stats:
A long run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs requires non-traditional heroes to step up, unpredictable storylines, and usually, several new entries into the franchise record book.
Even singling out their 4-3 win in Game One of Round Two, several notable statistics and records rose to the top for the Nashville Predators.
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The Preds hold a lead in a Round Two series for the first time in franchise history.
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Nashville has won five consecutive postseason games for the first time.
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The Predators have continued to extend franchise records with three-straight road victories in the playoffs and six wins in a row at home.
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P.K. Subban became the first Preds defenseman to record three points in a playoff game (1g-2a).
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Vernon Fiddler's goal was the first game-winner in a playoff game in his career.
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Pekka Rinne is the first goalie - and Preds are the first team - to win five consecutive playoff games this year.
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Every playoff series Nashville has won, they've been victorious in Game One.
#StandWithUs:
As the Predators advance further into Stanley Cup Playoffs, more and more celebrities are taking to social media to share their passion for the team.
Here are some of our favorite shout-outs from the Game One triumph in St. Louis:
Video: NSH@STL, Gm1: Fiddler chips in late go-ahead goal
Fiddler on the Spot:
There were several unexpected outcomes prior to Vernon Fiddler's game-winning goal with 5:05 left in regulation. The fight to keep possession going the Preds' way. Jay Bouwmeester's failed clearing attempt. Fiddler's reach to just tap the puck away from Jake Allen's swipe and under the goalie's pads.
Perhaps the most surprising? Fiddler's "running man" celebration that harkened back to a teammate he had during his last playoff goal with Nashville, a tally that came on April 20, 2007, in a Round One series against the San Jose Sharks.
"I was bringing it back," Fiddler said of the celebration. "It was [Steve Sullivan's] move, I don't know why I did that. But it was just raw emotion. I'm just happy to contribute."