Juuse Saros showcased a stellar performance with 31 saves, leading the Nashville Predators to a 4-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Monday. Ryan O’Reilly’s third-period goal proved decisive, extending the Predators’ lead to 2-0 with just 5:22 left in regulation. O’Reilly capitalized on a fortuitous bounce off a blocked shot by Steven Stamkos, scoring his second goal of the season.
Although Ridly Greig managed to narrow the deficit with a power-play goal 2:03 before the end, the Predators sealed the win with late empty-net goals from Jonathan Marchessault and Cole Smith in the final minute. Marchessault initiated the scoring at 12:11 of the second period by netting a shot past Linus Ullmark after a turnover in the Senators’ defensive zone.
A potential goal by Jake Sanderson for the Senators in the second period was disallowed following a review due to Tim Stutzle’s goaltender interference. The game saw a flurry of minor penalties in the first period, disrupting the flow for both teams. Despite the Senators’ struggles on the penalty kill in previous games, they benefitted from the Predators’ ineffective power play, which went 0 for 6.
The Senators made adjustments to their lineup, welcoming back Tyler Kleven from injury and introducing Jordan Spence and Olle Lycksell for their Senators debut. Drake Batherson remained sidelined for the third consecutive game. Next up, the Senators will face the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday, while the Predators will take on the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night.