Juuse Saros stopped 31 shots as the Nashville Predators defeated the Ottawa Senators by a score of 4-1 on Monday.
The goal scored by Ryan O’Reilly in the third period proved to be the decisive one.
O’Reilly extended the lead to 2-0 with 5:22 left in the third. Steven Stamkos had his shot blocked but the puck went to O’Reilly, who scored his second goal of the season.
Ridly Greig managed to score on the power play with 2:03 remaining, reducing the deficit to one goal. However, Jonathan Marchessault and Cole Smith each scored empty-net goals in the final minute, sealing the victory for their team.
Marchessault initiated the scoring at 12:11 of the second period, slipping the puck between the legs of Linus Ullmark, who recorded 22 saves. This goal was a result of a turnover inside the blue line.
Jake Sanderson appeared to score for the Senators at the six-minute mark of the second, but the goal was disallowed after a video review due to goaltender interference by Tim Stutzle.
The first period featured seven minor penalties, disrupting the flow for both teams.
Having conceded five power-play goals in their initial two games, the Senators benefited from the Predators’ ineffective power play, which went 0 for 6.
Ottawa’s lineup saw changes as Tyler Kleven returned from injury, while Jordan Spence and Olle Lycksell made their debut for the Senators. Drake Batherson was absent for his third consecutive game.
Up next
Senators: Travel to face the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night.
Predators: Travel to face the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night.
