NHL

Preds reach 1st Western final in team history, ousting Blues

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) celebrates after scoring against the St. Louis Blues during the third period in Game 6 of a second-round NHL hockey playoff series, Sunday, May 7, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) (The Associated Press)

Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne, of Finland, gets a new water bottle during the second period in Game 6 of a second-round NHL hockey playoff series against the St. Louis Blues, Sunday, May 7, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) (The Associated Press)

Nashville Predators center Calle Jarnkrok, of Sweden, right, falls back during a face-off with St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Sobotka (71), of the Czech Republic, during the second period in Game 6 of a second-round NHL hockey playoff series Sunday, May 7, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) (The Associated Press)

Ryan Johansen scored the game-winning goal 3:15 into the third period, and the Nashville Predators advanced to their first Western Conference final in franchise history Sunday by beating the St. Louis Blues 3-1 to take the series in six games.

The Predators won their ninth straight playoff game in Nashville going back to last postseason.

Goalie Pekka Rinne made 23 saves and had an assist. Roman Josi had a goal and an assist, and Calle Jarnkrok added an empty-netter with 60 seconds left.

Nashville will play either Anaheim or Edmonton.

Paul Stastny scored for St. Louis, which fell short of a second straight conference final.