NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Pekka Rinne, whose status as Nashville's starting goaltender was seemingly in question entering Game 3, not only started but saved 27 of 28 shots on goal as the Predators beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-1 Saturday night at Bridgestone Arena.
The embattled Rinne allowed eight goals to the Penguins in Games 1 and 2, becoming just the fourth goalie in NHL history to do that.
The Penguins jumped on him early in Game 3, with rookie Jake Guentzel scoring on a rebound just 2:46 into the first period for a 1-0 lead. But that was the only goal Rinne would allow; he stopped the next 26 shots to earn the victory.
Rinne said he changed nothing and always knew he was playing coming into the game.
Nashville fans did their best to lift his spirits by chanting his name in pregame warm-ups.
"Collectively, we came into the locker room and we were telling each other we've never seen anything like that,'' Rinne said.
Afterward, coach Peter Laviolette said he never thought about switching goalies.
"There was no decision,'' Laviolette said. "He was terrific. I said that after Game 2. He's been the backbone for our team. He's been excellent. His game tonight was rock solid.''
Laviolette had been noncommittal about his goalie choice before Game 3, as he typically is with lineup decisions. But Rinne was first off the ice after the team's morning skate Saturday as backup goaltender Juuse Saros stayed on for extra work.
"We felt we left him out to dry a few times in the last game," Nashville left wing James Neal said after Game 3. "I thought we did a better job tonight.''
Rinne came into the Cup Final as a favorite for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.