The Nashville Predators snapped the Winnipeg Jets’ 11-game win streak on Thursday night winning 2-1. Goalie Juuse Saros made 23 saves en route to being the first star of the game.
It’s the longest win streak they’ve ended in franchise history taking down the Jets. Nashville’s previous record was snapping Detroit’s eight-game run in the 05-06 season.
“Had to do it the hard way. I thought some of the penalties, we took too many against a good powerplay, but the penalty killing was outstanding,” head coach Andrew Brunette said. “I thought [Saros] was great during that stretch.”
Tommy Novak and Filip Forsberg got on the board to defeat their Central Division rival in the final regular season matchup between the two clubs this season.
“I really liked the way we closed the game out. I didn’t think we gave up a whole lot or didn’t feel like we were taking on too much water,” Brunette said. “Gutsy effort, everyone brought something so we’re able to leave this game tonight with a good feeling. We haven’t left too many games with a good feeling.”
After the Jets held the first few offensive possessions of the game it ended up being the Predators who got on the board first after a quick faceoff win from Ryan O’Reilly.
Forsberg grabbed the puck and beat Jets goalie Eric Comrie with a wrist shot from the left circle.
Winnipeg answered back as Saros had a few bodies screening him. Rasmus Kupari grabbed a loose puck behind the net and defenseman Neal Pionk fired a one-timer from the top of the blue line in front of the Nashville bench to even it up 1-1.
Nashville didn’t bat an eye at surrendering a goal to the high-flying Jets and went to work on their first powerplay of the game which was drawn by Andreas Englund.
The Predators’ second powerplay unit converted as the forwards were working down low by the goal line. D-man Justin Barron dropped down to backhand a loose puck over to Novak who gave Nashville a 2-1 lead.
Saros kept it a one-goal game in the second period making 13 saves. He had a big stop on defenseman Josh Morrissey with 5:43 to play in the frame. Mark Scheifele found his D-man on the back door but Saros denied him.
Then Nashville went to the five-on-three penalty kill after Nick Blankenburg was called for delay of game. The Predators were able to fend off the NHL’s top powerplay unit, with Saros making two stops.
“It felt good. Five on threes you always need a big save and a big block,” Skjei said. “We did a good job of keeping them to the outside and when they did have a chance [Saros] was there to make a save. We kept it simple and got a few clears and it was good to get the fans in it.”
Nashville’s defense combined for four blocked shots in the second stanza with the Jets missing the net nine times.
Early in the third period the Predators were back on the powerplay and one chance came from the left circle. Forsberg picked up a rebound and Comrie made a desperation save with his left leg pad to keep it a one-goal contest.
As the game came to a close Saros made a big save on Nikolaj Ehlers with 50 seconds remaining in regulation. Nashville had a few tries on the empty net but held on for the one-goal win.
Up next the Predators have a back-to-back this weekend that starts on Saturday against the New York Islanders. The puck drop is slated for 11:30 a.m. and then Nashville faces the New York Rangers on Sunday at 6 p.m.
“We have to play like we did tonight,” Skjei said. “It’s not a crazy recipe. We know what it takes the win, that was it right there to beat the best team in the league. It feels good and if we do that going up to New York we’ll be in good shape.”
Stay tuned for the broadcasts right here on 102.5 The Game. Max Herz and Hal Gill will be on the call over the airwaves.
Follow Nick Kieser on Twitter/X: @KieserNick
Photos courtesy of Nashville Predators
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