Pittsburgh Penguins: Game 5 is the Most Crucial Game in the Series

Jun 5, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Matt Murray (30) blocks a shot made from Nashville Predators left wing Pontus Aberg (46) during the second period in game four of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit:Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 5, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Matt Murray (30) blocks a shot made from Nashville Predators left wing Pontus Aberg (46) during the second period in game four of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit:Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators head back to Pittsburgh for game five of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday.

After four games, The Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators have each won two games apiece in this series. The dominance has been shifting throughout the series, and at this point, it can really be anyone’s game.

Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins /

Pittsburgh Penguins

Game five may just be the most important one out of all. With the series tied 2-2, both teams will be looking to take the lead. Whoever takes the lead will be just one win away from winning the Stanley Cup. The other, may be one loss away from the worst feeling in their careers.

Home Advantage

This series has been quite interesting, because it seems as though home advantage has been playing a large role in it.

Next: Home Advantage Gives Us the Advantage

The first two games of the series was here in Pittsburgh. Our fans came out to show their support and the boys in yellow took both games.

Games three and four were both in Nashville, and their fans were really out there. They did a great job at being as arrogant as ever, but it seemed to really work in their favour. They got the best of us, and the Predators won both games to tie the series.

Game five is on our turf though. And if home advantage really is playing a big role in the outcome of this series, we need to take advantage of it.

One Win Away

Like I mentioned above, the winner of game five will only be one win away from the Stanley Cup. Now I know this doesn’t mean they’ll be guaranteed to win it in six, but the chances are that much higher.

Having a 3-2 lead is a big confidence booster. The Penguins can finish it up in six if they win tomorrow. With a win, their heads will be high and they will be ready to conquer the Predators. If they lose, they will be on the other end of the stick with a negative mindset.

Overall, it’s pretty safe to say game five determines a lot more than just the lead. Let’s get the win here boys!