The Nashville Predators returned to Bridgestone Arena to face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night. It was the Predators’ first game against the Penguins since Dec. 28, 2019, a 6-4 defeat for Nashville on the road
Filip Forsberg sent a beautiful pass across the way to find Mattias Ekholm crashing the net. The defenseman’s 55th career goal marked the first goal of the game with just 1.5 seconds left in the first period. Forsberg’s assist marks his ninth point (9a) in his last 12 games against the Penguins. The Penguins are one of two teams (Ottawa) Forsberg has not scored a goal against in his career.
With just six minutes left of the second period, Jake Guentzel net the Penguins lone goal of the game. Guentzel leads his club in points with 60 (29g-31a).
Less than two minutes later, Roman Josi launched a shot from the blueline. Tanner Jeannot got his stick on the puck for the Preds to claim re-claim the lead. The Predators rookies have scored 31 goals, the most in the NHL this season. Nashville rookies have compiled 86 points, the second-most in the NHL in 2021-22.
Eeli Tolvanen is the name of a Predator whose game has grown tremendously over the years. The forward scored his eighth goal of the season to push his team to 3-1.
“I’m really happy for Tolvy. He’s playing some really good hockey here as of late. He’s had some opportunities. It’s nice for him to get rewarded on that shot. That’s what you have to do. You have to continue to do the right things and play the right way. He’s a talented player and the puck will go in. But there’s a lot of substance to his game and we certainly appreciate him in the locker room,” said Coach John Hynes.
Yakov Trenin sealed the deal with an empty-net goal with the help of Josi. Josi has now established career highs in goals (17), assists (52) and points (69) this season.
Juuse Saros recorded his first career NHL win on Oct. 22, 2016 vs. the Penguins. His 28 saves on Tuesday night led the Nashville Predators to their second consecutive victory.
(Heat map via NaturalStatTrick)
The Nashville Predators will travel to take on the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night.
