Photo Credit: John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images
With two goals in the net and both being waved off, the Nashville Predators didn’t know if they were going to catch a break down 1-0 against the Ducks. However, with the help of Nick Spaling, Roman Josi’s first career NHL goal, and Jordin Tootoo cashing in on his first night back, the Predators took down the Ducks 3-2 for their 3rd straight win this season against Anaheim and 5th straight dating back to the playoffs last season.
Nashville has now won two in a row and four of their last seven. With 11 of their next 15 at home, the Predators have a chance to really string a few together and get back in the thick of the Central Division chase.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Special Teams:
Powerplay – 1 for 4, 25%
Penalty Kill – 2 for 2, 100%
Best Play of the Game: Three minutes after Roman Josi gave the Predators a 2-1 lead in the third period, Jordin Tootoo streaked down the left side after a beautiful pass from Kevin Klein and beat Dan Ellis high to the corner to give Nashville a 3-1 lead.
Worst Play of the Game: Small defensive break down at the start of the second period led to Anaheim’s first goal of the game. Brandon McMillan found Andrew Gordon to the side of the net who ripped a shot past Pekka Rinne, giving Anaheim a 1-0 lead only 38 seconds into the second period.
My Three Stars:
#1: - Jordin Tootoo – 1g, 1a, +1 on the night. Only 11 minutes of time on the ice and was easily the best player of the evening. A 2-game suspension can’t stop Tootoo, who’s on pace for a 28-point season (10 best than his current career high of 18)
#2: – Roman Josi – 1g, -1 on the night. First career goal and tie breaking goal 2:33 into the third period. His goal? On the powerplay. Not to mention Josi had only EIGHT SECONDS of total powerplay time. Clutch, maybe?
#3: – Nick Spaling – 1g, E on the night. Sweet shot from Spaling ties the game at 12:03 of the second period. 6 of 10 on the faceoff dot with 16 minutes of ice time as well
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Stay tuned to The Predatorial Saturday morning for the gameday preview of the Ducks game!
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Stay frosty, friends.
