Predators beat Jets 5-4 in 2OT to even Western semi at 1-1

Nashville Predators left wing Kevin Fiala (22), of Switzerland, scores the winning goal against Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck during the second overtime in Game 2 of an NHL hockey second-round playoff series Sunday, April 29, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Predators won 5-4 to tie the series 1-1. Also defending is Jets' Toby Enstrom (39). (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) Nashville Predators left wing Kevin Fiala (22), of Switzerland, scores the winning goal against Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck during the second overtime in Game 2 of an NHL hockey second-round playoff series Sunday, April 29, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Predators won 5-4 to tie the series 1-1. Also defending is Jets' Toby Enstrom (39). (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

By Associated Press April 30, 2018 4 min read

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Kevin Fiala scored 5:37 into double overtime, and the Nashville Predators beat the Winnipeg Jets 5-4 on Sunday night in Game 2 to even the Western Conference semifinal series.

The Presidents’ Trophy winners had the NHL’s best road record during the regular season, but the Predators got the split they needed before this series switches to Winnipeg for Game 3 on Tuesday night. That’s where the Jets posted the league’s best home record.

Craig Smith and Fiala skated up on a 2-on-1, and Jets defenseman Byflugien failed to block Smith’s cross-ice pass to Fiala who beat goalie Connor Hellebuyck with a backhander.

Ryan Johansen scored two goals, Viktor Arvidsson had a goal and two assists, and P.K. Subban had a goal and an assist as Nashville won both its 100th postseason game as a franchise and coach Peter Laviolette’s 50th with the team. Filip Forsberg also had three primary assists for the first time in the postseason in his career.

Mark Scheifele scored two goals and had an assist. Byflugien had a goal and an assist, and Brandon Tanev had a goal for Winnipeg.