Nashville, TN – The Nashville Predators fell to the Dallas Stars tonight, 3-1, unable to pull off back-to-back wins, after last night’s victory against the Florida Panthers.
On a night that honored former Predator Jordin Tootoo, the Predators were unable to crack the Dallas defense, specifically the goaltending of their back up goalie, Anton Khudobin.
The first goal of the night was scored by Calle Jarnkrok at 9:35 of the first period, who ripped a shot from the circle past Khudobin for the early 1-0 lead. It would be the only score of the night for Nashville.
The two teams would skate to a scoreless second period, with both squads having plenty of opportunity to score, but the play of both goaltenders would be the focus of the period.
Into the third period, the two teams would trade punches with little to show for it until 15:47 when Blake Comeau took a pass from Mattias Janmark, and tuck the puck past Rinne for the 2-1 lead. The goal would be challenged by the Predators for goalie interference, but to no avail.
Then, just 43 seconds later, Janmark showed some fancy footwork, kicking a loose puck to his stick and tapping in the final goal of the night to close the game out, 3-1.
Nashville fired 39 shots on goal to Dallas’s 26. These two teams will meet again on Thursday night in Nashville as this budding rivalry continues.
Nashville and the Stars will meet in the 2020 NHL Winter Classic.
The Predators return to the Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday night to face the Arizona Coyotes. Puck drops at 7pm.
