2011 Western Conference Quarterfinal Game 5 vs Ducks
The night Nashville won its first playoff series.
The 2011 Western Conference Quarterfinal Game 5 between the Nashville Predators and the Anaheim Ducks stands as one of the most iconic matches in Predators history. Played at Bridgestone Arena on April 22, 2011, this game saw Nashville clinch its first-ever playoff series victory, a milestone that cemented the franchise's arrival as a legitimate postseason contender. The match is remembered for its high stakes, dramatic overtime finish, and the electric atmosphere that defined the Predators' home ice advantage.
Quick Facts
- Series
- Western Conference Quarterfinal, Game 5
- Opponent
- Anaheim Ducks
- Venue
- Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN
- Result
- Nashville Predators win 4-2
- Series outcome
- Predators win series 4-2
Lore & Background
The 2011 series against the Ducks was a coming-of-age moment for the Predators, who had struggled in previous playoff appearances. After splitting the first four games in Anaheim, Nashville returned home with a chance to close out the series in front of a raucous crowd. Game 5 was a tight, defensive battle typical of playoff hockey, with both teams trading goals before the Predators pulled away in the third period. The victory sent a clear message that Nashville was no longer a playoff afterthought but a team capable of winning when it mattered most. The match is particularly remembered for the performance of goaltender Pekka Rinne, who made 25 saves to secure the win, and for the crowd's deafening chants of 'Let's Go Predators' that echoed through the arena. The series win also marked the end of the Ducks' season and set up a second-round matchup with the Vancouver Canucks. For Predators fans, this game remains a touchstone of franchise history, symbolizing the team's growth from expansion underdog to playoff contender. Beyond the on-ice action, Game 5 highlighted the deep connection between the team and its fanbase. The 'Smashville' identity, born from the city's embrace of hockey, was on full display as fans celebrated a long-awaited breakthrough. The victory parade and subsequent playoff run solidified the Predators' place in Nashville's sports culture, making this match a defining moment for the franchise.
Reader's Guide
Game 5 of the 2011 Western Conference Quarterfinal, with the Predators leading the series 3-1 and a chance to close out the Ducks at home. The Predators jumped to an early lead on a goal by Mike Fisher, but the Ducks answered back to tie the game. Nashville regained the lead in the second period, and a key insurance goal early in the third provided the final margin.
Did You Know?
- This was the first playoff series win in Nashville Predators history, after previous first-round exits in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2010.
- The series featured a memorable Game 4 in Anaheim where the Predators won 6-3, their highest-scoring playoff game at the time.
- Bridgestone Arena set a then-record for noise level during Game 5, with decibel readings comparable to a jet engine.
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