NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Kiefer Sherwood had a goal and an assist, Juuse Saros made 28 saves and the Nashville Predators beat the Detroit Red Wings 2-1 on Tuesday night.
Tommy Novak also scored to help Nashville win its third straight. The Predators were coming off a 4-1-1 trip.
“Yeah, throughout the lineup, just trying to play hard every night,” Novak said. “I think we still believe in this group a lot. Obviously, we have great defensemen, great goaltending and a lot of good forwards.”
Nashville trails Winnipeg by four points in the rush for the Western Conference’s second wild-card berth, with Nashville having played three fewer games.
Alex Chiasson scored and Ville Husso made 14 saves for Detroit. The Red Wings have lost two of three.
“We just felt like we got a world-class goalie performance against us,” Detroit coach Derek Lalonde said.
Sherwood opened the scoring at with 9:02 left in the second period. Colton Sissons won a battle in the left corner and sent to the puck to Philip Tomasino, who then drove toward the Detroit net. Just outside the crease, he slipped a nifty backhand pass through the legs of Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider to Sherwood skating through the slot, where he snapped a quick shot past Husso. Sherwood has scored in consecutive games.
“We’re just putting our heads down and working,” Sherwood said. “We’re finding different ways every night, and that’s the most important thing.”
Novak doubled Nashville’s lead at 2:22 of the third when he deflected Cal Foote’s shot from the right point by Husso. Novak has goals in three straight games, netting four over that span.
“Tommy is feeling it, which is good,” Predators coach John Hynes said. “I think he deserves the opportunity he’s getting. He’s been very consistent with his game. He’s playing with a ton of speed. I think he’s got a lot of swagger with the puck right now.”
Chiasson spoiled Saros’ shutout bid with 2:44 remaining with Husso pulled for an extra attacker and the Red Wings on a power play.
UP NEXT
Red Wings: Host Colorado on Saturday.
Predators: Host Chicago on Thursday night.
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