The Nashville Predators lost 3-2 in overtime against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center this Thursday. They're now 1-2-3 in their last five games as the wildcard race begins to look out of reach.
Filip Forsberg and Michael McCarron scored for Nashville, Ozzy Wiesblatt recorded three hits, and Justus Annunen saved 32 of 35 shots.
"It was just an average game from both teams. They didn't play great. I don't think we played particularly great either. We had a couple moments of the game we were playing great, and then moments we're given them back into it and that's kind of what happens."Filip Forsberg, Predators YT
McCarron opened the scoring for Nashville [24-23-6] at 14:53 after kicking a rebound attempt from Jonathan Marchessault in front of goaltender Jacob Markström. Marchessault now has two goals and an assist since coming back from injury.
McCarron's goal was the only in the first period as the Predators held New Jersey [28-24-2] scoreless.
The Devils remained emptyhanded until 9:59 in the second when Dougie Hamilton notched his seventh of season. The score remained one apiece heading into the final period with New Jersey leading in shots with 26 compared to Nashville's 20. Annunen's performance prevented the game from getting crazy as he only allowed one amongst all the shots he faced.
"I thought he played well. He's been on a good little stretch playing like that pretty much...especially the last month or so. [The] position he is in when he gets these starts, he wants to make the most of them, and I thought he did tonight."Andrew Brunette, Predators YT
Forsberg sniped his 20th of the year 1:34 into the third on a one-timer set up by Adam Wilsby. It's his 10th season with 20 or more goals scored.
Jesper Bratt tied it up for the Devils at 9:18 after a turnover in the Predators defensive zone. Both squads weren't able to break the tie which prompted the extra frame.
Devils captain Nico Hischier potted the game winning goal 42 seconds into overtime and handed his team the win.
The Predators will remain in the Metropolitan as they rival against the New York Islanders this Saturday. Nashville most recently took the Islanders down in a shootout earlier this month and look to continue that streak.
"We're .500 right now in two games on the road. If we can get a win in Long Island, I think it'd be a successful week. Four out of six points on the road is always good. Stay detailed and come ready to play in a couple days."Michael McCarron, Predators YT