Predators Vs. Coyotes, Game 3: Nashville Makes It A Series With 2-0 Win

Predators Vs. Coyotes, Game 3: Lineup Versatility Helps Nashville Go Back To Basics

Playing without Alex Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn in Game 3? No problem for Nashville, as their depth helped them adjust to their old playing style and get back in the series with Phoenix.

Predators Vs. Coyotes, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 3: Nashville Gets Back Into Series

Thanks to a couple of early goals and a fantastic performance by goaltender Pekka Rinne, the Nashville Predators are back in their Western Conference semifinal series against the Phoenix Coyotes. One day after wingers Andrei Kostitsyn and Alexander Radulov were suspended, the Preds responded with a great performance in Game 3, winning 2-0 to cut the Coyotes' series lead to 2-1.

Their two goals were both scored in the first period, 66 seconds apart. David Legwand scored his third goal of the playoffs just over eight minutes into the first period, assisted by Gabriel Bourque. Mike Fisher got on the scoreboard for the first time in the postseason just over one minute later, assisted by Sergei Kostitsyn and Martin Erat.

Nashville's offense was average for the rest of the game, but those two goals were all they needed. After putting in a couple of mediocre performances in the first two games of the series, Rinne came alive in net for the Preds Wednesday night, recording a shutout in spectacular fashion with 32 saves. The home crowd appeared to make a difference for Rinne and has appeared to make a difference in general in all three games, so the Predators and Coyotes could be in for a long series.

For all news and information regarding the Phoenix Coyotes, please visit Five for Howling or stop by SB Nation Arizona. For updates and perspective on the Nashville Predators, head on over to On the Forecheck. For complete coverage of the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NHL hub.

Predators Vs. Coyotes, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 3: Nashville Leads 2-0 Through 2 Periods

Perhaps the exile of Andrei Kostitsyn and Alexander Radulov is exactly what the Nashville Predators needed to fire them up and get them back into their series against the Phoenix Coyotes. They lost the first two in Phoenix, then lost two of their wingers to a curfew violation. They're looking good without them, and they're up 2-0 at the second intermission in Game 3.

Pekka Rinne was average in the first two games in the series, but appears to be back on his game. He's stopped all 22 shots the Coyotes have put on target and he's helped to kill off two power plays.

Nashville scored both of their goals in the first period and appear to be comfortably in control, but might regret not extending their lead. They had two power plays in the second period while committing no penalties themselves, but were unable to capitalize.

For all news and information regarding the Phoenix Coyotes, please visit Five for Howling or stop by SB Nation Arizona. For updates and perspective on the Nashville Predators, head on over to On the Forecheck. For complete coverage of the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NHL hub.

Nashville Fans Are Having A Real Good Time

Nashville Predators Fan Threw Live Catfish Onto The Ice (Maybe!)

NHL Playoffs 2012, Predators Vs. Coyotes Game 3: Game Time, TV Coverage And More

The Nashville Predators are on the ropes and down 2-0 in their playoff series against the Phoenix Coyotes. They'll look to pick up a win on Wednesday on home ice.

Nashville Predators Suspend Alex Radulov, Andrei Kostitsyn For Game 3 After Violating Team Rules

Alexander Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn have been suspended for Game 3 against the Coyotes after violating team rules.