Glorious: Nashville Predators Can Clinch Stanley Cup Final Berth Monday

NASHVILLE, TN — After a 3-1 win in Anaheim Saturday night, the Nashville Predators return to Bridgestone Arena Monday needing one win to advance to its first Stanley Cup Final. Should the Predators defeat the Ducks and win the National Hockey League's Western Conference, the city of Nashville will host a major professional sports final for the first time in history.

Playing without playoff leading scorer and first-line center Ryan Johansen, who had to have emergency surgery following Game 4 for what is believed to be compartment syndrome, and captain Mike Fisher, who was injured taking a knee to the head in Game 4, the Predators iced a mishmash lineup Saturday night in Orange County, but found an unlikely hero in Pontus Aberg, who scored the game-winning goal, his first NHL playoff tally.

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And more Nashvillians than ever before saw the Preds win. NBC Sports reported that Game 5 drew a 13.3 overnight rating in Nashville, a record rating for hockey in the Music City, besting the old mark — set in Game 4 — by 2.1 points.

Watching on TV is the best option for those who don't have tickets in hand already for Monday night's potential series-decider in what is sure to be a raucous Bridgestone Arena, which has earned adulation from commentators from Miami to Moose Jaw for its loud, party-like atmosphere during the playoffs. The game is sold out, though the Predators often release day-of-game tickets, standing room tickets and broadcast and league holds before the game.

Because of widespread interest and growing crowds, the city has taken control of the outdoor watch parties, which are now held at Walk of Fame Park between the arena and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The Game 4 party drew 5,000 people.

Parking is available throughout downtown, but early arrivers who don't mind a bit of a pleasant walk, there's free parking near Nissan Stadium and Cumberland Park across the John Siegenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.

The game will be broadcast on NBCSN starting at 7 p.m. with 102.5 FM carrying the game on radio.