Watch: Predators' Neal hammers Game 1 OT winner past Gibson

James Neal played the role of hero Friday in Game 1, as the Nashville Predators forward drilled a one-timer past John Gibson midway through the first overtime period to earn a 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks.

The goal was a relief for the Predators in more ways than one, as Neal left the game earlier after appearing to suffer an injury. Luckily, he returned and the Predators were all the better for it, earning the win in their first appearance in a conference finals series.

Overall, Nashville severely outshot the Ducks with a 46-29 advantage, including a 15-6 margin in the first period.

As for Neal, the goal was his fourth of the postseason, giving him a share of the team lead alongside Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis, and Filip Forsberg.