Forsberg denied hat trick as Predators top Capitals
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Filip Forsberg's bid for three consecutive hat tricks wasn't successful, but the Nashville Predators' left winger still had a big game in a big win over the NHL's best team.
Forsberg scored his seventh goal in three games and had an assist in Nashville's three-goal second period Saturday that lifted it to a 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals at Bridgestone Arena.
Roman Josi also tallied two goals for the Predators (30-22-9), including the clincher at 12:07 of the third period with a slapper just three seconds into a power play. Mike Fisher also added a goal as Nashville jumped over idle St. Louis for third place in the Central Division.
Forsberg, who was seeking to become the third player in NHL history with hat tricks in three straight games, was robbed of a second tally just before Josi's second goal when Philipp Grubauer smothered his point-blank chance from the slot.
Evgeny Kuznetsov scored his 15th goal at 17:03 of the third to draw Washington (41-13-7) within a pair, but it got no closer as it lost for just the third time in 11 games.
Viktor Arvidsson tacked on an empty-netter for the Predators at 19:08, his 20th goal of the season. Forsberg added an assist on that tally, as did linemate Ryan Johansen, who had three for the day.
Juuse Saros (7-5-3) stopped 23 shots for the win, while Grubauer (10-5-2) made 21 saves.
Playing less than 24 hours after winning at home Friday night, Washington needed just 72 seconds to dent the scoreboard. Tom Wilson deflected Jay Beagle's centering pass by Saros on the Capitals' first shot of the day, marking Wilson's sixth goal of the season.
As it has done all year, Nashville exploded in the second period. Josi equalized at 1:56 off Forsberg's cross-ice pass, beating Grubauer with a wrister from the left faceoff circle for his 10th marker.
Forsberg gave the Predators their first lead at 8:54, rifling a one-timer from the right faceoff circle off the left goalpost and into the net for his 23rd goal.
Fisher made it 3-1 at 11:57 on the power play, tipping Ryan Ellis' point shot home for his 15th tally of the season.
NOTES: Washington RW T.J. Oshie, along with Ds Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik, didn't even make the trip to Nashville. The Capitals hope all three will be back for Tuesday night's game at the New York Rangers. ... In a scheduling quirk, Washington and Edmonton both flew into Nashville after Friday night's 2-1 Capitals win. The Oilers play the Predators Sunday. ... Nashville RW James Neal, who has only one goal and five assists in the last 12 games, was dropped to the fourth line. ... The Predators scratched C Colton Sissons, along with Ds Anthony Bitetto and Brad Hunt.