In a pivotal NHL game, the Nashville Predators showcased their strength against the Buffalo Sabres, ultimately securing a 3-2 victory. The Predators' top line was instrumental in the win, combining for a total of 7 points. Ryan O'Reilly, with a total contribution of 3 points, was a standout performer, scoring the go-ahead goal. Gus Nyquist and Filip Forsberg also made significant contributions, each adding 2 points to the tally. Additionally, Evangelista and Lauzon were the only other players on the scoresheet. The game was tied 2-2 heading into the third period, but the Predators managed to pull ahead thanks to their stellar performance in the final period, including scoring 2 power play goals (PPGs). The victory was crucial for the Predators as they continue to vie for a stronger position in the playoff race.
END 1: #Preds 2, Sabres 1 Nashville taking advantage early of a team that got in really late last night. Two PPGs so far for the Preds & leading SOG 11-9.
End-1st: #Preds lead #Sabres 2-1. Shots 11-9 for Nashville.
Mark Jankowski hits Luke Evangelista right on the tape for the lead ☝️ https://t.co/QyGESuuYlr
Jankowski with a slick pass to Evangelista, 2-1 #Preds have 2 PPGs tonight. Seventh time this season Nashville has at least a pair of PPGs in a game.
Evangelista with a PPG for #Preds. Goalmouth tip. Beat Benson to the spot. #Sabres down 2-1 with 3:45 left in 1st.
Cozens called for tripping Josi. #Preds get 3rd PP tonight.
Juuse Saros played the puck up the left wall & Alex Tuch picked up on it. Saros was in the right place at the right time to make that save. #Preds
Byram has seen power play time and he just flew down the right wing on the rush with Peterka....That's quite a weapon to be able to do that. #Sabres
Sabres are playing in Toronto tonight so the #Preds will be getting a team tomorrow on the second half of a back to back.
#Sabres reminder tonight from Toronto. It’s on @NHL_On_TNT and @WGR550. Tomorrow in Nashville it will be back to @MSGNetworks.
An Atlantic Division showdown between two teams less than 100 miles apart open Wednesday’s slate when the @BuffaloSabres visit the @MapleLeafs on @Sportsnet, @NHL_On_TNT, @SportsonMax and @TVASports. https://t.co/QEFiKCGRuu
An @NHL_On_TNT and @SportsonMax doubleheader begins with the @MapleLeafs hosting the @BuffaloSabres before the @DetroitRedWings visit the @Avalanche as both teams continue to jockey for a higher playoff position. #NHLStats: https://t.co/kvxUzqkCgZ https://t.co/Rgljq6zmtl
THAT'S A BIG SEXY GOAL. #Preds back on top with 3 minutes remaining in regulation
Nashville's top line tonight: 7 combined points. Evangelista & Lauzon only other players on the scoresheet. O'Reilly - 3 Nyquist - 2 Forsberg - 2 #Preds
In a game like this, you need your top players to be your top players. That's what the #Preds have done tonight with goals from all 3 forwards on the top line. ROR scores the go-ahead goal and the momentum has swung back in favor of the home team https://t.co/MUWqUh1h2O
Ryan O'Reilly pops one in. 3-2 Preds with 7:41 to go.
Ryan O'Reilly comes through with a huge goal. Preds up 3-2
The #Preds have been carried by the top line in this game so far. Every other line has been decent, not great. 2-2 heading into the third off of a fluky bounce. Preds have been stellar in the third period lately. Two points they need to grab here.
Ryan O'Reilly once again puts in the work along the boards and this time feeds it to Gus Nyquist who dumps it in. #Preds lead 2-0
A neato play between Gustav Nyquist and Filip Forsberg and it's 2-0 Preds