In Dallas, the visiting Nashville Predators trailed 2-0 and 3-1 on Sunday night.
The Preds rallied with a goal in the middle frame and a strike in the third to force extra time and then the skills competition before escaping with a 4-3 win.
Calle Jarnkrok was credited with the deciding goal on penalties.
“I think we battled hard, but obviously that hurts,” Dallas’ Ty Dellandrea (goal in regulation) said. “Going pretty well three lines wears you down, but we had the same schedule as they did and both are tough. It’s not an excuse at all, but it definitely hurt.”
Eeli Tolvanen‘s goal in the third period got the Predators even.
“Personally, I didn’t even know I had three points,” Tolvanen said. “But of course it feels good. I think our line was really good today. We all three scored a goal, so I think that’s a good sign. I mean, playing with those guys, you get more pucks and you get goals and some points. I think that’s going to continue to grow my confidence. My confidence is really high right now.”
The game ended an eight-match road trip for Nashville that resulted in a 4-3-1 record.
Pekka Rinne made 27 saves in the win.
“This was kind of a make-or-break trip for us,” Nashville’s Ryan Johansen (goal) said. “We had to find a way to get points and win some games, and we did that. We’re in a position with 24 games left where if we can keep taking strides forward, we’ll put ourselves in a good position at the end of this season.”
Dallas lost two skaters to apparent injuries in the game.
“I think we battled hard, but obviously that hurts,” the Stars’ Ty Dellandrea said. “Going pretty well three lines wears you down, but we had the same schedule as they did and both are tough. It’s not an excuse at all, but it definitely hurt.”
Rhett Gardner and Radek Faksa (one of the two injured Stars) gave Dallas a 2-0 lead.
“I figured it would probably be not the prettiest of goals,” Gardner said. “I just kind of played through the neutral zone. [Lindell] was coming up the middle, so I just tried to fill the wide lane and kind of anticipated that the puck would take a bounce off the end wall there. It just popped right to me. I fanned on it a little, and it snuck in five-hole.”
Filip Forsberg also scored for the Predators.
“I’m ready to get in bed,” Johansen said. “I’m exhausted. But you know, we found a way to win some games and get some points on this trip against some great hockey clubs. Overall, we’re happy with this trip, especially with all of our guys out of the li
neup, as everyone knows. Looking forward to getting back home and getting in bed.”
nton Khudobin made 19 saves in the loss.
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