Predators Make Dramatic Comeback, Beat Ducks In OT

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Jerred Smithson scored 1:57 into overtime, and the Nashville Predators moved to the brink of winning their first playoff series with a 4-3 victory over the Anaheim Ducks in Game 5 on Friday night, taking a 3-2 series lead.

Captain Shea Weber tied it on a long slap shot with 35.3 seconds left for the Predators, who had never even won three games in a series before their dramatic comeback stunned the Ducks.

Both teams scored two goals apiece in a thrilling third period, with Anaheim blowing two leads. Bobby Ryan scored a spectacular goal early in the third in his return from a two-game suspension, but Joel Ward tied it with 8:40 left in regulation.

The Predators can close it out in Game 6 on Sunday in Nashville.

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