Predators 2, Blue Jackets 1
Colin Wilson scored the go-ahead goal with 2:12 remaining in the third period as host Nashville skated to its season-high fourth straight victory.
With the contest tied at 1-1, Craig Smith's bid from the left faceoff circle was denied by Curtis McElhinney, but the Predators center alertly batted the puck toward the net. Stationed in front, Wilson spotted the loose puck and backhanded it into the gaping net for his fourth goal, sending Nashville to its seventh win in a row at home.
Mike Ribeiro also tallied and Pekka Rinne finished with 21 saves en route to his league-leading 16th victory for the Predators, who improved to 11-3-2 in one-goal games this season. Captain Shea Weber and fellow defenseman Roman Josi joined Calle Jarnkrok and Smith with one assist in the win.
Ryan Johansen scored a power-play goal and McElhinney turned aside 40 shots for the sputtering Blue Jackets, who have dropped six in a row (0-5-1) and 15-of-17 (2-13-2). Nick Foligno and blue-liner Jack Johnson each notched an assist in the setback.
Josi's sharp wrist shot from the left faceoff circle missed the net but banked off the end boards to Riberio, who beat McElhinney to the right post on a wraparound at 12:47 of the second period to open the scoring. Foligno's saucer pass found Johansen at the left doorstep 3:48 into the third to end Rinne's bid for his second consecutive shutout.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Columbus C Artem Anisimov suffered an upper-body injury and did not return for the third period. ... Nashville C Matt Cullen returned after missing one game with an upper-body injury. ... Blue Jackets LW Kerby Rychel registered two hits in 10:36 of ice time while making his NHL debut. ... Predators D Seth Jones recorded four shots on goal while playing in his 100th career game.