Similar to the last match-up Nashville had, John Hynes’ return to New Jersey was an absolute nail-biter. A poor performance from the penalty kill unit and Nashville’s creative forwards kept Nashville fans constantly between cheers and jeers.

Thankfully, a beautiful, game-winning shootout tally from Matt Duchene sent the Predators home with a win over the Devils, collecting all four points on the road trip.

First Period – Ekholm strikes early, Preds keep the pressure

The first period, as many have gone recently, was hot. Just forty-two seconds into the frame, a slapshot from Mattias Ekholm bounced off a New Jersey stick and made its way into the net, setting them up 1-0.

Nashville would hold that lead for another four minutes, but Pavel Zacha would quickly capitalize for New Jersey. A short pass from Nico Hischier came out just as Nashville took the man advantage off of a penalty on Colton Sissons expired. Zacha put one top shelf on Rinne.

Filip Forsberg finished out the scoring for the period from a play started by Roman Josi. Josi sent out a leading pass to Arvidsson, would send it into blue ice. Although the puck bounced off the skate of Kyle Turris, giving him assist credit, Filip Forsberg was there to collect the goal.

Overall, the Preds offense has continued to look hot in this follow-through opportunities. Not only are there some uber-talented stick handlers on the roster, but the ability to follow the puck until the whistle blows has kept Nashville in the game consistently.

Pekka would collect a huge save in the dying seconds of the period from a play originating from PK Subban, keeping the Preds in the lead through the frame.

Second Period – Preds penalty kill unit leaves everyone speechless

Anyone else sensing a trend on second periods?

Well, if you haven’t caught on yet, it seems to be the death of many good-looking Preds games, looking as far back as the Winter Classic.

Thematically speaking, Nashville comes out of the gates in the first. They’re noticeably set ablaze, and eager for a win. The overconfidence in the Nashville defense through many second periods is what gives a surging opposing team the room to capitalize.

This is exactly what happened in this game as well, allowing for two, easy power play goals from New Jersey on a remarkable over extended Rinne.

Those two goals came from Pavel Zacha and Nikita Zuchev after a pair of Penalties were called on Ryan Johansen and Matt Duchene.

Just a few minutes later, Nick Bonino was able to collect a goal off a rebound from a wrist shot by Craig Smith, tying the game at 3-3. This was the second follow-up goal the Nashville offense had up until that point in the game.

However, tragedy would strike again with a late-period strike from Jesper Bratt. Rinne was clearly overextended in this play, allowing New Jersey’s Palmieri to send a pass to a wide open net. This would end the action of the period, with New Jersey up 4-3.

Third Period – Nashville equalizes … twice

With the game on the line, Nashville came out of the gates ready to pick up a W, but New Jersey would not make it easy.

Matt Duchene came in with a short-side wrist shot just thirty-three seconds into the final frame, equalizing the tally to 4-4.

Nashville kept the pressure for a while, but it would be a quick, off the faceoff strike from John Hayden that would put New Jersey back ahead. All-in-all a great screen on Rinne right off the bat, forcing the pressure right back on Nashville.

Filip Forsberg answered again, but of his own accord this time. A faked pass on a zone entry gave Forsberg just enough time and space to sneak a wrist shot over the pad of Mackenzie Blackwood, tying the game at 5-5.

The possession seemed to belong to Nashville in the dying minutes of the period, with chance after chance coming from the Nashville offense, notably Mikael Granlund. 

Despite the chances, and a near breakaway of sorts, Nashville found themselves in OT.

OT and SO – Duchene and Rinne save the day

While no scoring was done in the overtime frame, it was clear that Nashville was in control here. Nearly the full five minutes was pressure from the Nashville bench, with just a few late opportunities rising for New Jersey. They looked really good in terms of puck control and zone entries, so even I was confident for a win in the shootout.

Filip Forsberg would strike hard, driving one past Blackwood, but New Jersey would answer. Tied after one round.

Matt Duchene scored on a backhand in the second round, with Pekka Rinne stuffing the young Jack Hughes. Nashville’s up after two.

Nashville would be stopped in the third round, but Rinne would follow up with a pad save on Kyle Palmieri, sealing the win for Nashville.

Looking back: Defensive woes continue

Several goals in this game would not occur if not for defensive overextension. Pekka was clearly out of place in the second, and if this team hopes to be successful into the post season, Nashville needs to lock down those back lines.

Looking forward – Do-or-die time for Nashville

The clock is ticking on Nashville’s play off chances. They hope to pick up another win tonight against the Vegas Golden Knights at home in Nashville at 7:00 PM CST.

You can catch the game on Fox Sports South and 102.5 The Game!