Predators 4, Jets 2
WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- The Nashville Predators lived up to their nickname in Winnipeg Tuesday night, breaking the backs of the Jets in just 11 seconds.
Trailing 1-0 as the first period was winding down, Viktor Arvidsson found Craig Smith for a goal-mouth tap-in with just 40 seconds left. Before the PA announcer had time to announce the goal, however, Colton Sissons gave the Predators a lead they wouldn't relinquish off the ensuing face-off when he banked a shot off Ben Chiarot's skate behind Ondrej Pavelec, paving the way for Nashville's 4-2 victory.
With the win, the Predators improved to 34-21-12 and 80 points. The Jets continue their race to the bottom - and perhaps the top selection in this year's entry draft - after falling to 27-34-5 for 59 points.
The Predators effectively salted the game away when Ryan Johansen ripped a wrist shot from just outside the crease past Pavelec for his 11th of the season at 8:54 of the third.
The Jets made things interesting - ever-so-briefly - with just 6:23 remaining in the game when Jacob Trouba joined the rush from his defensive position and knocked in a goalmouth rebound from Alex Burmistrov past Pekka Rinne.
The Predators challenged the goal believing Marko Dano, recently acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks, had interfered with Rinne. The referees disagreed and the goal stood.
Less than two minutes later, Filip Forsberg hit a streaking Craig Smith, who deflected his 18th of the season past Pavelec, restoring the two-goal lead.
Drew Stafford opened the scoring for the Jets at 7:28 of the first period, stuffing in a rebound to Rinne's right. Dustin Byfulgien and Blake Wheeler assisted on Stafford's 17th of the season.
The Predators had to juggle their lines after left winger Austin Watson was kicked out of the game at 13:53 of the second period after elbowing Marko Dano in the head. He was given a match penalty.
The Jets, however, despite some glorious chances, were unable to convert.
The Predators outshot the Jets 31-23.
NOTES: The win extended Nashville's point streak to 13 games (9-0-4). ... The Predators come into Winnipeg on a high note, having defeated the Colorado Avalanche 5-2 on Saturday after trailing 2-1 after two periods. ... In what's becoming a daily occurrence, another member of the Jets' farm team, the Manitoba Moose, is making his NHL debut. RW Scott Kosmachuk was called up earlier Tuesday. ... Predators LW Filip Forsberg entered Tuesday's game tied for the third for most goals in the NHL since Jan. 1 (18), trailing only Alex Ovechkin (20) and Sidney Crosby (19). ... Scratched for the Jets are RW Anthony Peluso, C Bryan Little, LW Nikolaj Ehlers and RW Joel Armia. ... The Predators scratched D Barret Jackman and C Paul Gaustad.