Matt Duchene and Philip Tomasino scored in the shootout to secure a 2-1 win for the Nashville Predators against the Seattle Kraken on Thursday night.
Kiefer Sherwood scored the Predators’ lone goal in regulation, while Juuse Saros made 27 saves during regulation and overtime. Saros also blocked both Kraken attempts in the shootout.
“You need good goaltending to win,” said Predators coach John Hynes. “Look at any team that’s in the playoffs; their goaltending is .920 or better. It’s one of the most important positions in the game. Solid goaltending gives you a chance every night.”
Nashville secured its second consecutive victory following a three-game losing streak. The Predators will host the Kraken again on Saturday.
“You get into a rhythm, and you get a good feel for it,” said Duchene, who has scored five goals in seven shootout attempts this season.
Daniel Sprong scored for Seattle, and Joey Daccord made 23 saves during regulation and overtime.
“It came down to the shootout,” Seattle coach Dave Hakstol said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t get the extra point, but we’ve got to turn the page quickly, look at a couple of areas to improve, and expect a similar game on Saturday afternoon.”
The Kraken had won six consecutive road games and had gone overtime in four of their last six games.
Seattle (39-24-8) holds the top wild-card spot in the Western Conference, while Nashville (36-26-8) is chasing Winnipeg for the second spot.
Sprong gave Seattle an early lead 2:28 into the first period. He drove down the right side below the goal line and banked the puck into the net off Saros’ right skate. It was Sprong’s 18th goal of the season and his third point in the last two games.
Sherwood tied the game with his fourth goal 14:01 into the second period. Daccord stopped Tyson Barrie’s shot from the right side, but Sherwood snapped the rebound home.
Tolvanen’s Return
During a media timeout in the first period, the Predators played a tribute video for Seattle forward Eeli Tolvanen. Tolvanen, a first-round draft pick of the Predators in 2017, was picked up off waivers by Seattle in December. Since joining the team, he has thrived with the Kraken, scoring 13 goals and adding 10 assists in 37 games.
UP NEXT
- Predators: Host Seattle again on Saturday.
- Kraken: Travel to Nashville for a rematch on Saturday.
