In Nashville, the New York Rangers put together a complete game and defeated the testy Predators on Thursday night, 3-1.
Alexis Lafreniere had a goal, to break a 1-1 tie, and assist in the win.
“I just like to be out there when the game is tight,” Lafreniere said. “It was a good game tonight, really physical. In the third period, we knew what we had to do. Like I said, I like to be out there in big moments. It was a real good play by [Fox] and [Blais], and I was lucky enough to score.”
Igor Shesterkin made 28 saves to get the win.
Philip Tomasino was the lone goal scorer for the Predators.
“We generated a lot of good chances and spent a lot of time [in the offensive zone],” Nashville head coach John Hynes said. “Unfortunately they didn’t go in tonight, but we’ve just got to figure out how we can capitalize on the chances. But I think when you’re generating them and getting them there, I think that’s the key. Now the next step is putting them in.”
Filip Chytil opened the scoring early in the first period with a wicked backhand shot for a 1-0 lead to the Rangers.
“For sure, it gave us confidence,” New York’s Sammy Blais said. “I think we scored on our first or second shift. … I think in the first, we were really good. I think we’re three guys (Lafreniere, Chytil, Blais) that can play with the puck. When we use our speed, I think we’re dangerous.”
Barclay Goodrow added an empty-net goal with six seconds left on the clock.
“I thought tonight we really shut it down in the third period when we got the lead 2-1,” Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant said. “I’m not big at looking at the stats, but I think they had one or two shots when we took the lead there in the last 10 minutes. Complete effort and everybody was a part of it.”
Juuse Saros made 27 saves in the loss.
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