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Craig Smith delivers winning goal as Predators beat Sabres in surprising fashion

The Nashville Predators, in white, and the Buffalo Sabres fight during the second period of Saturday night's game in Nashville. The Predators won the game 2-1. / AP photo by Mark Zaleski
The Nashville Predators, in white, and the Buffalo Sabres fight during the second period of Saturday night's game in Nashville. The Predators won the game 2-1. / AP photo by Mark Zaleski The Nashville Predators, in white, and the Buffalo Sabres fight during the second period of Saturday night's game in Nashville. The Predators won the game 2-1. / AP photo by Mark Zaleski

By JIM DIAMOND / The Associated Press 3 min read

NASHVILLE – Special teams have been a struggle for the Nashville Predators all season.

On Saturday night, that unit won them a hockey game.

Craig Smith’s power-play goal with 6:29 remaining in the third period propelled Nashville to a 2-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres.

With Sabres captain Jack Eichel in the penalty box serving a tripping penalty, Smith redirected Kyle Turris’ shot off the left post, then off the left leg of Buffalo goaltender Linus Ullmark and into the net for Smith’s 11th goal of the season.

“It was really a quick hit, spread them out and find a lane and try to get a stick,” Smith said. “It’s just a part of our power play that we’ve been kind of working on lately.”