Mattias Ekholm showed just why the Nashville Predators' defence is a force to be reckoned with by setting up the game-winning goal as part of a multi-point night in the team's 3-2 overtime win Friday night.

The victory helped the Predators start their first Western Conference Final in franchise history on the right foot, and Ekholm's contributions to a stand-out Nashville defence have not gone unnoticed by hockey observers.

Phil Housley told me he thought Mattias Ekholm might be the Preds best skating defenceman. I was skeptical, but I'm starting to see it.

— Аrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) May 13, 2017

Ekholm dished out four shots while spending a hulking 31:05 in time on ice, trailing Roman Josi by just twelve seconds for the game-high among Predators skaters.

In addition to setting up the OT game-winner, Ekholm set up Austin Watson's first career Stanley Cup Playoffs goal to make it a 2-1 game earlier in the second period.

The pair of assists marked Ekholm's third in his previous two outings.

Game 2 of the Western Conference Final will be played at Honda Center Sunday before heading to Music City.

For a complete listing of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoff Performer of the Night, click here.