A dominant 6-0 win for the Pittsburgh Penguins on home ice puts the Stanley Cup champions one game away from a repeat of last year’s triumph.

After the first four games were shared between the Pens and their Western Conference opposition, the Nashville Predators, the series may have been tied but there was little doubt that it was the Preds who were on top and had really restricted a Pens team that is highly regarded for its offensive prowess.

This prowess was on full display last night however as six different players picked up a goal while Matt Murray protected a goose egg between the pipes and Pittsburgh put on a real show for their home fans who had turned out in full force at PPG Paints Arena.

Picture courtesy of Reuters

I think that the main difference in this game compared to any of the previous four was the reaction that the Pens had to going ahead. After taking a one goal lead on previous occasions the team has not forced their advantage and this has tended to let Nashville back into a game they should have no part in.

The truth is that the Predators’ blue line is truly excellent and when it is not put under any pressure it allows Nashville to build from the back and create their own chances.

Last night was a different story. Pittsburgh may have had the same number of shots as their opponent after 60 minutes but this belies an overwhelming performance by the offense that did not let up and eventually forced the Nashville goaltender from the game.

The Pens have the chance to win it all on Sunday evening when they travel back to Nashville as the Predators face an elimination game for the first time in the 2017 playoffs. After some speculation that Pittsburgh goaltender Matt Murray might not start game five attention now turns to whether Pekka Rinne will make the start for game six.