Predators 4, Maple Leafs 2
Craig Smith scored twice as part of a three-point game as visiting Nashville surprised Toronto.
Matt Cullen had a goal and three assists and rookie defenseman Seth Jones added his first tally in 14 games for the Predators, who scored twice on four power-play opportunities. Marek Mazanec made 24 saves for his third straight victory.
Nazem Kadri scored in his first game back from a suspension and Peter Holland tallied for the first time since joining the Maple Leafs, who saw their five-game home winning streak come to an end. Jonathan Bernier stopped 24 shots.
Holland put Toronto ahead in the first period, but Jones tied the game on a power play 2:01 into the second with a point shot that deflected off Toronto forward Jay McClement’s stick. Cullen cleaned up a rebound 9:13 later to give Nashville the lead and Smith made it 3-1 with a shot from the slot during a man advantage.
Smith added his second of the contest 4:32 into the third period when his quick wrist shot from a sharp angle deflected up off Bernier’s shoulder and dropped into the net. Kadri fired a weak shot through traffic that fooled Mazanec with 4:32 remaining in the game, but that was all the Maple Leafs could muster.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Bernier entered the contest 8-1-0 with a 1.67 goals-against average in his career against Nashville. … Predators C Colin Wilson added two assists after being held off the scoresheet in 11 of the last 12 games. … Toronto RW Phil Kessel logged just 15:13 of ice time. He was seen with tape on his wrist during Tuesday’s game, raising speculation he is playing injured.