NASHVILLE – James Neal recorded two goals and Mike Ribeiro pitched in three helpers to give the Nashville Predators a 5-3 win over the New York Rangers last night in Tennessee. Henrik Lundqvist made 30 saves on 35 shots for his 10th loss, while Pekka Rinne stopped 26 of 29 for his 15th win.
The win was Nashville’s 18th of the year and helped them retain the last wild card position for now.
Their power play went a perfect two-for-two while the Rangers failed to capitalize on their lone power play attempt. The Predators are currently ranked fourth in the league on the power play while New York sits in sixth.
Lundqvist played almost the entirety of the game before being pulled with 5:19 left in the game after the Predators scored their fifth goal. Backup Antti Raanta, making his first appearance since receiving a head injury, did not face a shot.
“We did a lot of good things,” Lundqvist optimistically commented . “It was just a few minutes in the third, we got hurt big time. It’s been the case in too many games now, and it’s extremely disappointing and frustrating.”
Jesper Fast, Rick Nash and J.T Miller all scored for the Rangers, while Filip Forsberg, James Neal (2), Craig Smith and Ryan Ellis all picked up a goal for Nashville.
New York (20-13-4) have lost four of their last five and will face a familiar foe in Tampa Bay against the Lightning on Wednesday.
Nashville’s (18-12-6) next game will be against the Blues, tonight ion St. Louis.
Follow for more updates: @Danny_PJones
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