Game Three of the Stanley Cup Final did not go the way most people expected. Penguin fans anticipated a win with the momentum on the Pens’ side from the dominant wins in Games One and Two.

The Pens did score the first goal, which came from red-hot Jake Guentzel. They finished off the first period leading 1-0.

But the Predators came out flying in the second and registered their first ever Stanley Cup Final goal at home in just under six minutes. Roman Josi scored the equalizer on the power play, and from there the Predators took off and never let up.

Forty-two seconds later, they capitalized once again on a goal from Frederick Gaudreau. Nashville fans were excited after a series of strong plays. The fans chanted Murray’s name and “It’s all your fault,” to get under his skin.

The chants would continue to work as the Preds scored to cap off the second period with a goal from former Penguin James Neal.

The Penguins tried to start a comeback, but that hope was smothered by a bad turnover from Chris Kunitz. This gave Craig Smith a straight breakaway and he buried it past goalie Matt Murray.

The Predators finished off the night with a well-placed shot from Mattias Ekholm to give them a 5-1 lead.

After Murray struggled in net, people may wonder if Sullivan will pull him. So far, Murray has proven himself in this series and he will stay in net.

One thing the Pens need to look for tonight is leadership and strong play from Sidney Crosby, Geno Malkin, and Phil Kessel, as that was one thing missing in Game Three.

The Penguins have dealt with adversity all playoffs long. They have played in the toughest atmospheres so far. They have to ignore the rowdy crowd and listen to Coach Mike Sullivan’s saying: “Just play.”

If the Pens have a short memory they should pull off a close victory, just inching out the Preds 3-2 in tonight’s Game Four.