Predators 5, Blues 0
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Left winger Filip Forsberg's second natural hat trick of the week enabled the Nashville Predators to continue their winning ways while finally cracking the code on the St. Louis Blues.
Led by Forsberg's three second period goals, Nashville notched its first win in five games against its Central Division rival Saturday, notching a 5-0 shutout in sold-out Bridgestone Arena.
Forsberg, who has 12 goals in his last 11 games and 26 for the season, also tallied a hat trick in a 3-2 verdict Tuesday night at Toronto. The Predators (31-21-11) improved to 6-0-3 in their last nine games and closed within six points of St. Louis (35-20-9) for third place in the division.
Forsberg also had a secondary assist on Nashville's first goal. Not to be outdone, linemates Craig Smith and Mike Ribeiro also enjoyed three-point games. Smith, a right winger, potted a goal and two assists. Ribeiro, a center, tallied three assists.
Predators goalie Pekka Rinne upped his record to 24-18-9 with 27 saves, becoming the fifth active goalie to record 40 career shutouts.
It was the third straight loss for the Blues, which continue their four-game road trip Sunday against Carolina.
Nashville initiated scoring at 5:39 of the first period as Smith swatted home the rebound of a shot by center Ribeiro for his 14th goal.
Forsberg stole the show in the second period. He made it 2-0 at 54 seconds in with his 24th goal, cashing in the rebound of a shot by defenseman Petter Granberg.
Forsberg upped the lead to 3-0 at 5:39, accepting Smith's drop pass and ripping a wrister from the left faceoff circle over the right shoulder of goalie Jake Allen.
Forsberg then polished off the hat trick on a one-timer at 14:49, inspiring Predator fans to litter the ice with hats and ski caps. It also chased Allen, who gave up four goals on 23 shots.
NOTES: St. Louis and Edmonton consummated a swap of goalies Saturday morning, the Blues acquiring Anders Nilsson in exchange for Niklas Lundstrom and a fifth-round pick in the 2016 draft. St. Louis sent Nilsson to its AHL affiliate in Chicago. ... Nashville D Shea Weber (lower-body injury) missed his third straight game. ... The Blues scratched C Jori Lehtera, hit in the face by a puck Thursday night, and D Alex Pietrangelo (right knee). ... Nashville defensemen entered Saturday with an NHL-high 151 points.