It’s been a long time coming for the Nashville Predators, who, earlier this week, forced a decisive Game 7 against the San Jose Sharks after battling back late in the third period for an overtime win. The Preds’ are closer than they’ve ever been before to the Western Conference Finals.
The Predators’ season very nearly ended after the Sharks scored the go-ahead goal after Preds’ netminder, Pekka Rinne, simply slipped and fell in front of the net. Instead, the team battled back for a 4-3 win in the extra frame.
General Manager David Poile credits team building with the Preds’ on-ice success this season. Poile learned his love of team building from his father, Bud, who also served as an NHL GM. The younger Poile recently talked to USA Today about how important he believes team chemistry is to on-ice success.
You can read more about how the Preds say team building was their secret ingredient this season here.