Nashville Predators center Brian Boyle waits for play to resume against the Dallas Stars in the first period of Thursday night’s game in Nashville. Boyle was acquired by the Predators from the New Jersey Devils for a second-round draft pick.
NASHVILLE – The Nashville Predators know they might well end up seeing the Dallas Stars in the first round of the playoffs, and that made protecting their home ice even more crucial Thursday night after a loss to them at Bridgestone Arena only six days before.
Ryan Johansen scored 43 seconds into overtime as the Predators beat the Stars 3-2 for their second straight win and a little cushion in the Central Division.
“They’ve been playing some very good hockey lately, and we’re not going to let that happen anymore, especially in our building,” Johansen said.
Nashville goaltender Juuse Saros made 27 saves to improve to 14-6-1, with wins in six of his last seven starts.
Viktor Arvidsson had a goal and an assist, and Craig Smith also scored for Nashville, which evened the season series at 2-2-0 and pushed the second-place Predators’ lead to nine points over the Stars in the division.