NHL playoffs 2017 updated bracket: Predators advance to Stanley Cup Final

The Nashville Predators are going to their first ever Stanley Cup Final. Here’s an updated NHL playoff bracket.

The Western Conference Finals has come to an end. For the first time in franchise history, the Nashville Predators are going to the Stanley Cup Final. After beating the Anaheim Ducks 6-3 in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, the Preds are ready to square off against the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Here’s a quick look at the updated playoff bracket reflecting Nashville’s most recent victory.

Nashville’s Stanley Cup run has been quite improbable. They entered the 2017 NHL Playoffs as the eight seed in the Western Conference. Few analysts even gave them a chance against the Chicago Blackhawks, the odds on favorites to win the Stanley Cup. However, the Preds swept the Central Division champions, setting up a second round matchup against the St. Louis Blues.

It’s impressive they were able to do so without star center Ryan Johansen. He suffered an injury in Game 4, but Nashville managed to win the next two games. They did it thanks to goaltender Pekka Rinne. Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis and P.K. Subban were also huge parts of their success, leading an extremely competent defender. Filip Forsberg has been oustanding for them, making the Washington Capitals look dumb for trading him for Martin Erat.

Nashville will face either the Pittsburgh Penguins or Ottawa Senators in the Stanley Cup Finals. Whoever wins the Eastern Conference should provide Nashville with a great challenge. However, all the Preds have done this postseason is overcome every challenge in their way.

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For the Ducks, it’s a sad way to go out, but they should be very proud of their effort. They challenged a darn good team nearly to the brink. However, Nashville proved to be way too good even for England.