Juuse Saros put up a stellar performance with 31 saves, guiding the Nashville Predators to a 4-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Monday. The winning goal came from Ryan O’Reilly in the third period, securing the lead at 2-0 with just 5:22 left in the game. O’Reilly capitalized on a rebound off a blocked shot by Steven Stamkos to net his second goal of the season.
Ridly Greig managed to narrow the gap with a power-play goal 2:03 before the final buzzer, but late empty-net goals by Jonathan Marchessault and Cole Smith in the last minute cemented the Predators’ win. Marchessault kicked off the scoring in the second period at 12:11 by slipping the puck past Linus Ullmark from close range following a turnover near the blue line.
A potential goal by Jake Sanderson for the Senators in the second period was overturned due to goaltender interference from Tim Stutzle after a lengthy review. The game saw a total of seven minor penalties in the first period, disrupting the flow for both teams.
Despite struggling on the power play in their previous games, the Senators managed to shut down the Predators’ power play, holding them scoreless on six opportunities. Ottawa made adjustments to their lineup, welcoming back Tyler Kleven from injury and introducing Jordan Spence and Olle Lycksell for their Senators debut, while Drake Batherson sat out for the third consecutive game.
In upcoming matches, the Senators will face the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night, while the Predators will take on the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night.