It was the kind of game that left everyone in a state of exhaustion.
Everyone in Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, including players, coaches, fans, referees, and linesmen.
Rod Brind'Amour, the Canes' coach, isn't one of them. He was furious after Game 3 on Friday, when the Predators won 5-4 in double overtime on Matt Duchene's goal. He was irritated by the difference in penalty calls, which included the lone one called in either overtime period: a hooking call on Canes defenseman Max Lajoie in the second.
In practically every regard, according to Brind'Amour, the game between two good teams who worked hard and pushed themselves to the maximum was even. Carolina was called for seven penalties, while Nashville was called for three.
Brind'Amour remarked, "We played our butts off, played terrific, played hard." “We're up against a quality team in a struggle. The Nashville Predators are a fantastic squad. But we're also up against the officials. It's as simple as that.
“You can't tell me we've had seven and eight penalties in two games in a row and they've had three, when the game is tied? This isn't right. I give my guys a lot of credit for sticking it out and playing their tails off in order to have a chance to win.”
When asked about the penalties after the game, Canes captain Jordan Staal declined to comment. He did indicate he got stitches during the halftime between the first and second overtimes. It wasn't because of a self-inflicted injury.
Staal was penalized for tripping thirty seconds later. On a 5-on-3 power play, the Predators scored. Brind'Amour's eyes grew larger and wider under his mask, his rage visible.
The teams, on the other hand, continued to play. Brind'Amour relied heavily on Dougie Hamilton (36:56 ice time), Brett Pesce (39:27), and Brady Skjei in the absence of defenseman Jaccob Slavin (37:59). Lajoie, who was making his Hurricanes debut, played about 17 minutes and handled himself admirably.
Alex Nedeljkovic made 49 saves in his third consecutive postseason start. Juuse Saros of the Predators had 52 saves, including 21 in the two overtimes.
But it's one that the Canes must rapidly shrug off. On Sunday, Game 4 will begin at 2:30 p.m. ET, cutting down on recovery time.
Slavin's status for Game 4 appears to be in doubt, according to Brind'Amour, who reiterated that it would be a game-time decision. He praised Nedeljkovic's effort, saying the only reason he wouldn't play him again Sunday is if he felt "overworked" in Game 3. It's possible that the lineup will remain unchanged.
“I believe our group will bounce back and give it their all in the next game,” Staal said.