Nashville Predators vs. Florida Panthers Live Game Thread

The Nashville Predators are looking to end a two-game losing streak as they start the first game of a back-to-back against the Florida Panthers

The Panthers haven’t lost a game in regulation yet this season at 5-0-1, while the Predators are sitting at 4-5-0 and in danger of really sliding to the bottom of the Central Division if they don’t turn things around tonight.

1st Period

Dante Fabbro makes the ugly turnover at mid-ice, and the Panthers make him pay with an early goal. Jonathan Huberdeau gets the goal for Florida.  Panthers 1, Predators 0 at 18:28 of the 1st.

Predators starting to get some offensive zone time now and settle down after spotting Florida the early lead. Panthers 1, Predators 0 at 13:00 of the 1st.

Predators heading to the power play. They just need to settle down and not let this game get out of hand like ones in the past. 

Filip Forsberg rockets a shot past Bobvrosky from his normal spot and that was a laser! At first it didn’t look like it went in. Tie game at 1-1 between Predators and Panthers. 10:23 left in the 1st. 

Predators quickly give the lead back. Puck travels through a lot of traffic and Juuse Saros was heavily shielded. 2-1 Panthers at midway point of 1st period. 

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Forsberg/Matt Duchene/Mikael Granlund line doing some nice things and just looking for that one perfect pass to set up another goal. They look good out there together. 

Saros is on an island out there. Panthers already have 12 shots on goal and getting plenty of good scoring chances. Still 2-1 Panthers.

And just like that the Predators counter attack and Forsberg sets up Calle Jarnkork beautifully! 2-2 game with 4:00 left in the 1st.

Predators back to the power play after Duchene draws the penalty. This line has looked outstanding so far tonight. 2-2 tie game with 2 minutes remaining in the 1st period. 

Predators power play expires after a lot of good chances and testing Bobvrosky. 1st period winding down. 2-2 tie game. 

Fabbro’s rough night continues. Takes the interference penalty, but the 1st period comes to an end with a 2-2 tie score. There was 28 shots on goal combined in that period, and both goaltenders were tested early and often. Fun period of hockey. 

Predators have to kill off the remainder of the Panthers power play to open up the 2nd period. Survive that and keep doing what you’re doing offensively. It’s working.

2nd Period

Underway for the 2nd period with a 2-2 tie score. Predators have around a minute of Panthers power play time to kill. 

Saros once again hung out to dry by the Predators’ penalty kill. No chance to stop that. Aaron Ekblad with the goal. 3-2 lead for Florida. 

Roman Josi draws a penalty. Predators already have one power play goal tonight from Forsberg, his 5th goal of the season. 

Power play comes to a close and the Panthers quickly get some offensive scoring chances. Plenty of zone time for Nashville on that power play, including a near set-up goal from Forsberg to Nick Cousins. 

Maybe the goal of the season for the Predators so far after Forsberg makes another strong rush and sets up Duchene! We are tied at 3-3 in this fast paced game. End-to-end action.

Another sloppy interference penalty taken by the Predators. Colton Sissons the guilty party this time. Have to be smarter!

Predators back to penalty kill for another dumb penalty. Not sure what else to say. They’re hurting themselves in this game, like many others this season. 

It doesn’t feel like the other games where a one-goal deficit is too much to overcome. There’s a lot of open ice out there and the Predators have to dig deep for another one. But they’re again going to the penalty kill after Viktor Arvidsson gets tagged. 

Finally getting some even strength action. So much open ice for both teams to operate. 

Predators can’t corral the puck in the zone and the Panthers strike again. Saros maybe could’ve made that stop, but now it’s a tough hill to climb for Nashville. 5-3 Florida leads with 3:50 left in the 2nd period. 

Period comes to a close, shockingly at even strength. Predators trail 5-3, but I wouldn’t turn this one away. Plenty of offensive momentum swings in this game. 

3rd Period

Final period is underway. Predators have to stay out of the penalty box and get one goal back quickly. Pekka Rinne is now in net replacing Saros. 

Strong shift from Eeli Tolvanen and Calle Jarnkrok. 

Rinne with a couple saves and now Yakov Trenin getting involved in a scuffle in front of the net. 

Predators trying to build some momentum now that it’s been even strength for a little while. 14 minutes left in regulation and a two-goal deficit to make up. 

In real time it looked like Nick Cousins scored off the rush, but his shot hit the crossbar upon further review. They’re playing so much better at even strength, but time is running out. 

Little over six minutes remaining. Predators have to start taking some risks and get aggressive. 

Predators empty their net and get one back. Roman Josi scores. Time left to spare. 5-4 Panthers lead. 

Goal stands after the Panthers challenge due to a high stick. Call is confirmed. 

Predators make the failed challenge pay off and Matt Duchene slams home the tying goal! It’s 5-5 on the scoreboard. Regulation has four seconds left. 

Overtime

Predators open the overtime with Forsberg and Josi on the ice. 

Both teams are trading possessions. Pekka Rinne just made a big stop to keep this thing going.

Filip Forsberg makes the steal and finishes! Game-winner for the Predators and the comeback is complete! Several comebacks all night. Huge two points and the Panthers’ first regulation los of the season.