On Saturday, the Predators beat the Lightning 3-2 in a fantastic game. The game was very back and forth and eventually went to overtime. The Predators played a solid game outside of parts of the second period. The offense looked good as it has through the first 11 games.
The Predators were without both F Filip Foresberg and C Matt Duchene. Duchene was listed as questionable but ultimately sat out with a lower body injury. There is no additional update on Filip Foresberg's injury. Austin Watson was also questionable and he ended up playing. As a result of the injuries, Anthony Richard played his second ever NHL game. Juuse Saros started in goal and played well throughout the game.
With the injuries of two top line players, the Power Play lines looked a bit different:
First Power play line: Arviddsson, Granlund, Jarnkrok, Johansen, and Josi,
Second Power play line: Smith, Bonino, Turris, Ellis, and Ekholm
The first goal for the Preds came at 5:56 of the 1st period on the Power play. The goal was scored by Calle Jarnkrok; it was a one timer from the left circle.
The Lightnings first goal was scored by Steven Stamkos. It came 6 seconds into power play and just 32 seconds into the 2nd period.
The Lightnings second goal came near the 10 minute mark of the 2nd period. Tyler Johnson scored after he blocked a teammates shot and scored just feet in front of the net. This brought the score to Lightning 2-1 Predators.
The Predators game-tying goal with 5 minutes left was an incredible power play shot by Roman Josi. Josi made a great play to keep the puck in the zone, he then passed to Jarnkrok, got the pass back, and scored a great one timer from the point.
Overtime started with a good chance, and missed penalty on Roman Josi. About a minute later, the Lightning were called for their second too many men penalty. The power play lead to many good chances but did not result in a goal. Just seconds after the power play ended, Josi passed the puck across to Ellis who took the puck into the zone and scored the game winning goal. Ellis scored a nice wrist shot from the left side of the ice.
Key stats:
Predators
Shots: 40
Faceoffs won: 29
Power Play opportunities: 5
Power Play goals: 2
Penalties: 4
Blocked Shots: 12
Giveaways: 5
Lightning:
Shots: 30
Faceoffs won: 34
Power Play opportunities: 4
Power Play Goals: 1
Penalties: 5
Blocked Shots: 9
Giveaways: 9
I am very happy with how the Predators played on Saturday. I am not concerned about either of the injuries, and the offense looked good despite not having Duchene and Foresberg. The defense also played pretty well lead by Roman Josi and Ryan Ellis. The Predators now sit at 7-2-1 and they are second in the central division.
The Predators played a well rounded game that came down to the wire. The Predators next game is Tuesday, against rival, Chicago Blackhawks.