Gustav Nyquist and Ryan O’Reilly scored power-play goals to back a 21-save shutout from Juuse Saros and lead the host Nashville Predators to a 3-0 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night.
Nashville stopped a three-game losing streak at Bridgestone Arena, netting its first home win since Dec. 16. The Blackhawks lost their 12th straight away from home, a skid that includes a two-goal defeat in Nashville on Nov. 18.
Nyquist provided the only offense the Predators needed with a power-play goal at 5:16 of the first period. With Chicago’s Brett Seney in the penalty box for holding the stick, Nyquist took a pass from Roman Josi, skated through the left circle and beat Blackhawks goaltender Arvid Soderblom with a wrist shot.
O’Reilly also assisted on the goal. His tally during a five-on-three at 15:23 of the third period sealed the result. Filip Forsberg and Nyquist had assists on the marker. Luke Evangelista scored an empty-net goal just over four minutes later.
Chicago was outshot 36-21 while losing for the fifth time in the past six games.
Saros recorded his second shutout and 12th career victory against the Blackhawks in his 18th appearance vs. the club. The Predators’ special teams was also instrumental in the win, as the hosts killed three power plays.
Colin Blackwell led the Blackhawks with four shots on goal. Soderblom made 33 saves.
Nashville outshot Chicago 16-5 in the first period.
A smooth set-up from the Blackhawks’ Lukas Reichel to Cole Guttman to potentially tie the game in the first went for naught, as Guttman was unable to get a stick on a tap-in.
Chicago forward Anthony Beauvillier went to the locker room after suffering an apparent left arm injury late in the second period following a hit from Forsberg.
Nashville has picked up a point in 26 of its past 30 meetings with Chicago. The Predators have limited their Central Division rivals to two goals or fewer 25 times over that stretch.
–Field Level Media
