Anaheim, CA (Sports Network) - Shea Weber tied the game with 35.3 seconds left in regulation and Jerred Smithson won it 1:57 into overtime to give the Nashville Predators a 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks in Game 5 of a Western Conference quarterfinal series. In the final minute of regulation with Pekka Rinne on the bench, a left-circle faceoff in the Anaheim end was won by Mike Fisher. The puck went back to the right side for Cody Franson, who sent it over to the left and Weber's successful one-timer forced a fourth period.
In the extra session, Nick Spaling kept the puck in at the left point and sent it down low for Jordin Tootoo, who threw it to the front where a streaking Smithson one-timed it home. Kevin Klein and Joel Ward also had goals for the Predators, who lead the best- of-seven series 3-2 and can claim the first-ever series victory for the franchise on Sunday at home in Game 6.
Rinne, who was named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy earlier on Friday, stopped 23 shots in the win. Jason Blake scored twice while Bobby Ryan, who missed the past two games due to a suspension, notched the other goal for the Ducks, who got two assists from Saku Koivu. Ray Emery made 33 saves in the setback.
For more news and information on this first round NHL playoff series, be sure to stay tuned to this StoryStream. For more news about the Ducks, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Anaheim Calling.