In Nashville, Ryan Johansen scored with less than two minutes left in extra time on Tuesday to give the Predators a 1-0 win over the San Jose Sharks.
“We’re wearing them down throughout the game, spent a lot of time in the [offensive] zone and we figured we’d get a break if we kept going,” Johansen said. “Got a lucky bounce there at the end, and we’ll take it.”
Juuse Saros made 25 saves in the shutout win for Nashville, it was fourth of the campaign.
“[Saros] had some timely saves tonight, for sure,” Nashville coach John Hynes said. “That’s what happens sometimes where you’re pressing a little bit to try to be able to score, and that’s an area where we can do a little better job. [Saros] came up with some key saves at key times for us. That’s what makes him the quality goaltender that he is. He gives you a chance every night.”
Nashville improved to 42-26-5.
“I really liked our team’s game tonight,” Hynes said. “I thought we came ready to play, played the game the right way. Credit to San Jose. They battled. They played hard. They didn’t make it an easy night. I thought overall, in general, this style of play gives us the best chance to win night in and night out.
“It’s an easy game where you feel like things [might be] going to go off the rails. Guys can press, guys can get frustrated … Between periods, what we talked about was solutions and staying with it. I’m just proud of the guys for sticking with it and certainly feel like they deserved the two points.”
Nashville is one ahead of the Dallas Stars, who also won by a 1-0 count (over the Tampa Bay Lighting), for the first wild card spot in the Western Conference.
Kaapo Kahkonen made 40 saves in the Sharks loss.
“Good road game,” Kahkonen said. “We battled hard and we didn’t step back. We did a lot of good things. We were in the game all game, just tough result again. But I think a lot of good things for being on the road and playing a good team.
“The guys did a good job blocking shots and boxing out. That’s what you’ve got to do this time of year, especially moving forward. Those things are huge and eventually will lead to success.”
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