Nick Bonino scored twice, including a game-sealing empty net goal, to help lift the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 5-3 win over the Nashville Predators Monday night in the opening game of the NHL Stanley Cup Final.
The Penguins took a 3-0 first period lead on goals from Evgeni Malkin, Conor Sheary, and Bonino before Nashville fought back to even it 3-3 on scores from Ryan Ellis, Colton Sissons, and Fredrick Gaudreau.
Jake Guentzel beat Predators goalie Pekka Rinne with a shot high on the glove side with 3:17 remaining to put Pittsburgh back on top 4-3 before Bonino’s empty-netter sealed the win.
The best-of-seven series will resume with Game Two Wednesday night in Pittsburgh.