The Predators' top line continued to carry the offense, and Saros was strong in net as Nashville defeated the L.A. Kings on the road.
The Nashville Predators traveled to Crypto.com Arena to face the L.A. Kings in the second game of their three game road trip. On Monday, the Predators lost to the Vegas Golden Knights. Tonight Andrew Brunette made some adjustments to the lineup. Cody Glass returned to the lineup while Phil Tomasino slotted in with Yakov Trenin and Colton Sissons.
Forsberg - ROR - Nyquist
Trenin - Sissons - Tomasino
Smith - Novak - Evangelista
Pärssinen - Glass - Gurianov
Josi - Fabbro
McDonagh - Schenn
Lauzon - Carrier
Saros
The Kings got the offensive jump early in the game recording seven shots on goal in the first five minutes of play, but Juuse Saros made the saves for the Predators. Filip Forsberg slashed former Predator Kevin Fiala on a breakaway chance and headed to the penalty box at 7:43, but Nashville's penalty kill was able to manage the two minutes.
Colton Sissons followed Forsberg to the box at 11:38 for a trip, but Quinton Byfield was whistled for a high stick with just under a minute left in the Kings' power play leading to brief four on four play. During Nashville's ensuing power play, Matt Roy sat for a crosscheck, and the Predators played :23 seconds at five on three. The Kings' top penalty kill and timely saves by David Rittich kept the Predators off the board.
The teams finished the opening period at even strength. The Predators outshot the Kings 12-8 but the game was scoreless after twenty.
The Kings got an early power play chance in the second as Dante Fabbro sat for a slash at 3:18, but again Nashville was able to kill off the two minutes. The man advantage gave the Kings offensive momentum, and they recorded six shots on goal in the first six minutes of the period. A tripping call on Pierre-Luc Dubois resulted in a Nashville power play chance at 6:25. Ryan O'Reilly tipped in Roman Josi's shot from the blue line to give Nashville the power play goal and a 1-0 lead.
Ryan McDonagh prevented a goal from scoring behind Saros' back, but was whistled for delay of game for moving the net. At 8:52 Drew Doughty tied the game with a high velocity shot that sailed past Saros.
Jan 18, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) and goaltender Juuse Saros (74) defend the goal against LA Kings center Pierre-Luc Dubois (80) in the second period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportNashville's top line went back to work, and at 13:40 Gus Nyquist gave the Predators the lead once again by cleaning up a rebound. The period ended with the Kings having a 13-11 advantage in shots on goal in the second but Nashville up 2-1.
The Predators were more aggressive at the beginning of the third period controlling the pace of the game. Each team generated chances through the middle of the period, but Rittich and Saros made the saves.
At 10:39 Jeremy Lauzon headed to the penalty box for a hook, and the Kings got their fifth power play chance of the night. The Kings got one shot on net and Josi had a shorthanded chance before the two minutes expired.
As time wound down, the Kings ramped up their attempts to get the equalizer. With 2:06 remaining, Rittich headed to the bench and L.A. brought on the extra attacker. Saros made three saves under net front pressure and made a blocker save that Josi cleared out of danger. The Predators survived the late push and earned a 2-1 win over the Kings.