Clarksville, TN – The Nashville Predators needed a win in the worst way tonight at Bridgestone Arena, and with the Edmonton Oilers in town, the Preds were “licking” their chops.
Nashville has defeated the Oilers in 11 straight games, dating back to March 2014. Final score, 2-1.
Nashville goalie Pekka Rinne, stopped 25 shots and Viktor Arvidsson had a goal and an assist to lead the Predators to their second win in a row. Nashville is now 3-1-1 in their last five games.
![Nashville Predators right wing Craig Smith (15) scores a goal past Edmonton Oilers goalie Cam Talbot (33) as left wing Viktor Arvidsson (33) assists during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. (Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports) Nashville Predators right wing Craig Smith (15) scores a goal past Edmonton Oilers goalie Cam Talbot (33) as left wing Viktor Arvidsson (33) assists during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. (Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports)](https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Nashville-Predators-Craig-Smith-480x343.jpg)
Edmonton has now lost three in a row, and seven of their last eight. Connor McDavid scored the lone goal for the Oilers, and Cam Talbot blocked 22 shots for Edmonton. McDavid’s goal was his 15th of the season.
Nashville, who leads the NHL as the most penalized team in the league, only had one penalty on the night. P.K. Subban was called for interference on McDavid who was on a breakaway opportunity in the third period.
Craig Smith continues his solid season scoring the first goal of the night for the Predators at 8:26 of the first period on a Nashville power play. This is Smith’s 15th goal of the season.
Edmonton’s Mark Letestu temporarily tied the game at 14:56 of the third period, but Predator head coach Peter Laviolette challenged the play for being offside, and the goal was reversed.
Nashville was looking to regain their strong start to the season after a lackluster road trip, that saw them pick up 3 of 6 possible points. The Predators begin their “bye” week, and will return to action on Tuesday, January 16th to face the Vegas Golden Knights at Bridgestone Arena.
Puck drops at 7:00pm.