Predators Reach Conference Finals for First Time…Oilers rip Ducks

(AP) — The Nashville Predators are in uncharted territory as they continue their unexpectedly deep run in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Predators have advanced to the Western Conference finals for the first time by downing the Blues, 3-1 in Nashville. The game was knotted at one until Ryan Johansen scored with 3:15 remaining.

Roman Josi had a goal and an assist, and Calle Jarnkrok  added an empty-netter with 60 seconds left.

The Predators have won nine straight home playoff games since last season and are 8-2 overall in this year's postseason. Nashville will take on either Anaheim or Edmonton in the next round.

The NHL's other Western Conference semifinal series is going to a seventh game after Leon Draisaitl and Mark Letestu combined for nine points in the Oilers' 7-1 pounding of the Ducks in Edmonton.

Draisaitl delivered three goals and two assists, while Letestu scored twice and collected four points. They each scored twice before the Oilers skated off the ice with a 5-0 lead after one period.

Cam Talbot turned back 34 shots and blanked Anaheim following Rickard Rakell's goal 8:26 into the second period.

Game 7 is Wednesday at Anaheim.