Luke Evangelista scored in the second period, but Mark Stone's hat trick and a strong game by goaltender Logan Thompson were too much for the Nashville Predators to overcome in Vegas.
The Nashville Predators escaped the snow of Middle Tennessee and kicked off a three game road trip with their game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena.
Head coach Andrew Brunette made no changes to the lineup after Nashville's 3-1 win Saturday night against the New York Islanders.
The Golden Knights entered tonight's game without their leading scorer Jack Eichel who was moved to IR this week and a handful of other top players like William Karlsson and Shea Theodore out with injury as well. Vegas recalled Brendan Brisson who made his NHL debut against the Predators.
The Predators dominated play in the opening period of the game. Nashville kept the Golden Knights from recording their first shot on goal until nearly fifteen minutes into the game. Mark Stone scored his first goal of the game at 15:25 to give Vegas the lead after one.
An early second period three-on-two chance resulted in Stone's second goal at 1:11. Each team had an opportunity on the power play in the second period but neither could capitalize on the man advantage. At 2:38, Luke Evangelista tipped in a shot from Alexandre Carrier to get the Predators back within one goal.
Nashville got another power play chance with 1:30 left in the second period. Shortly into the man advantage, Colton Sissons was called for a trip and the teams played four on four. Mark Stone scored at 19:36 to give the Golden Knights their two goal lead back and Stone his first regular season career hat trick.
The third period opened with the remainder of the four on four and a brief Vegas power play before the teams returned to five a side. The Predators had one more chance on the power play as Zach Whitecloud was whistled at 6:01 for a hold. Despite good chances from the top unit, the Predators couldn't get the puck past Thompson.
With 3:27 left in the game, Brunette pulled Saros in favor of the extra attacker. Nashville pressured but couldn't convert, and with :18 left Jonathan Marchessault scored the empty net goal to make the final score 4-1.
The Predators head to California for their next game against the L.A. Kings on Thursday.