In Nashville, Juuse Saros made 23 saves and the Predators defeated the New Jersey Devils, 4-2, on Friday.
Roman Josi had a goal and two points in his 700th NHL game. His goal gave Nashville a 1-0 lead.
“You obviously remember when you first came here, 10 or 11 years ago now,” Josi said. “It’s 700 now. It’s pretty cool. I’m definitely grateful to be able to play that many games, play that many games in Nashville with the same team. It’s been an amazing ride. I’m definitely proud of it and I don’t take it for granted, that’s for sure.”
Tomas Tater and Andreas Johnsson had goals for New Jersey.
“That’s probably the worst game I’ve seen us play,” New Jersey head coach Lindy Ruff said. “Didn’t win the compete battles early. Didn’t engage early. Conveniently second on a lot of plays. We wouldn’t have beat anybody tonight. It’s just the truth.”
New Jersey dropped to 8-6-4.
“That 700 games is very impressive,” Nashville head coach John Hynes said. “Not only 700 games, but how many meaningful games he’s played in and been productive, so really happy for him. It’s a special night for him. He obviously had the two points, but also blocked some shots, played well.”
Philip Tomasino and Mikael Granlund, pushed the Preds lead to 3-0 before Johnson scored for New Jersey.
“We were not in the game at all,” New Jersey’s Nico Hischier said. “We were running around, no structure. They simply outcompeted us and we’ve got to bring our compete level every game to give you a chance to win a hockey game. Definitely did not have that the first two periods.”
Alexandre Carrier restored the three-goal lead with a strike in the third period at 4-1..
Jonathan Bernier made 27 saves in the New Jersey loss.
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