Clarksville, TN – The Nashville Predators finally broke through against the Las Vegas Golden Knights behind Juuse Saros’ shutout performance, 1-0. Nashville had lost to the Knights in their previous two meetings, but Saros stepped up and closed the door, stopping 43 shots. This was his third shutout of the season.
Nashville was returning from their bye week, and while they showed some signs of “rust,” Saros was fresh and ready, having played three games with Milwaukee last week. Head coach Peter Laviolette’s decision to give starting goaltender Pekka Rinne extra rest, paid off big time for the Predators.
Nashville was already reeling from the news earlier in the day, of Viktor Arvidsson being placed on injured reserve with a lower body injury. Nashville recalled Frederick Gaudreau to fill the roster spot.
It was a scoreless game through the first two periods, but not for lack of intensity and controversy. Nashville’s Ryan Johansen left the game in the second period after a shot to the head from William Carrier knocked him to the ice. There was no call on the play and Laviolette was livid with the officials. He was told by the officials that it was a clean hit.
Replays showed otherwise.
Nashville finally lit the lamp at the eight minute mark of the third period when Kevin Fiala scored off a P.K Subban rebound. Vegas goaltender and three time Stanley Cup winner Marc Andre Fleury stopped 26 shots on the night.
The Fiala goal would be the game winner. The Predators have now won three straight and improved to 14-4-2 on home ice.
The Knights are 29-11-3, but are 0-1-1 in their last two outings. The expansion franchise has their sights set on making the Stanley Cup playoffs as a first year team.
Nashville hosts Arizona on Thursday night at the Bridgestone Arena. Puck drops at 7:00pm.
