In Edmonton, the Oilers got off to a rough start and trailed the Nashville Predators 0-2 on Saturday night. Edmonton rallied though, with three straight goals including two by Leon Draisaitl for a 3-2 victory.
“It’s about sticking with it, it doesn’t have to be pretty, two points is two points for us,” Draisaitl said. “It’s a gutty win for us and I think that’s huge for our group.”
Mike Smith made 27 saves to get the win.
“I thought as the game got on we got our legs going, we got feisty on pucks and we created some power plays for ourselves and capitalized on a big goal at the end of the second and had a great third and we were able to get a big two points,” Smith said.
Craig Smith and Nick Bonino scored for the Preds to stake them to the 2-0 lead.
“The first 40 minutes I thought we were really good, we played really well for being on the road,” Nashville’s Ryan Johansen said. “The third period, it just wasn’t as sharp for us and that cost us. That’s why they’re 60-minute games. We have to make sure we’re dialed in for 60 next time.”
Alex Chiasson also scored for the Oilers when he cut the deficit in half.
“They gained a little momentum from that for sure, and they started the third well and we didn’t do a good enough job of being ready to start the third period,” Johansen said. “We just have to be sure we’re staying in the moment and not let that us get off our game.”
[WATCH: All Predators vs. Oilers highlights]
Juuse Saros made 33 saves in the loss.
“I thought we deserved better,” Predators coach John Hynes said. “I really liked our game, I thought we played well. I thought we played well enough to win. Unfortunately, a couple of bad bounces went in, particularly the first goal, and then we have to find a way to kill that 4-on-3.
“I think there is a lot to build off tonight’s game. Unfortunately, we didn’t find a way to be able to win it, but I think if we play like we did tonight, more times than not we’re going to find a way to win games.”
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