In Nashville, Pekka Rinne made 31 saves and the Predators defeated the Carolina Hurricanes, 3-0, on Friday.
“Tonight, I got off to a good start, that was the key,” Rinne said. “I really think the last four games we’ve really played better defensively too, just more sacrificing bodies, blocking shots, forwards collapsing.”
The win snapped a four-game skid for Rinne.
Rocco Grimaldi, Calle Jarnkrok and Austin Watson were the Nashville strikers.
“To get that zero on the board for [Rinne] means a lot to us with some of the results that have been there for the previous couple weeks that aren’t necessarily his fault at all,” Watson said. “To put up a shutout like that feels awesome.”
The Canes dropped to 15-10-1 with the loss.
“It certainly wasn’t a game where we got dominated,” Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “It felt like we had more chances than they did, Grade A’s too. I think it was unfortunate we didn’t score on those real early ones.”
Nashville improve4d to 12-9-4.
[WATCH: All Predators vs. Hurricanes highlights]
Petr Mrazek made 25 saves in the loss.
“It’s certainly frustrating for the guys because you can feel it,” Brind’Amour said. “We have a game plan, we’re trying to stick to it. You know they don’t give up much; they’re a stingy team. The only disappointing part for me is our power play wasn’t good. That took a little life out of us. Other than that, it was there for us.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.