Filip Forsberg, Tommy Novak, and three other Predators players recorded a goal and an assist to lead Nashville to an overtime win over the Arizona Coyotes.
The Nashville Predators got an important two points over Central Division rival Arizona Coyotes after battling back from a two goal third period deficit. Filip Forsberg and Ryan O'Reilly scored at even strength while Roman Josi and Tommy Novak capitalized on two of Nashville's power play chances to take the game to overtime. Ryan McDonagh scored the game winner at 1:36 in overtime. Each of Nashville's goal scorers also recorded an assist.
Head coach Andrew Brunette made a few adjustments to the lineup ahead of tonight's game. Forward Denis Gurianov and defenseman Dante Fabbro were healthy scratches.
The Predators and Coyotes exchanged chances in the first half of the opening period, but both Connor Ingram and Juuse Saros made early saves. Midway through the period, the Predators got trapped in the defensive zone for nearly two minutes while the Coyotes cycled, shot, and rotated in fresh skaters. Nashville finally cleared the puck but not until Arizona nearly doubled the Predators in shots on goal.
The Predators got on the board with the first goal of the game at 12:28 as Ryan O'Reilly scored a net front goal. Filip Forsberg recorded his 300th career assist on the play. The lead was short lived as Travis Dermott scored less than a minute later on a point shot through traffic at 13:10.
Both Arizona and Nashville had a power play chance at the end of the first but neither team could capitalize, and the teams headed to the locker rooms tied 1-1.
The second period was spent rotating players in and out of the penalty boxes. Seven penalties resulted in two power play goals. Roman Josi scored Nashville's first power play goal since their January 20 games against the Coyotes at 11:49. Late in the period the Coyotes tied the game back up with Dylan Guenther's power play goal at 18:31. The teams headed into the second intermission tied 2-2.
Feb 10, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) is congratulated by teammates after a goal during the second period against the Arizona Coyotes at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY SportsArizona got their first lead of the game early in the third period as Juuso Valimaki's shot made it through traffic at 1:45. At 4:07 Cole Smith headed to the penalty box for interference. Nick Schmaltz scored from the circle to gave Arizona a 4-2 lead.
At 4:19, Nick Bjugstad was whistled for a hook. Tommy Novak scored on the ensuing power play to make it a one goal game once again. Filip Forsberg tied the game back up at 9:59 cleaning up a loose puck behind Ingram.
The Predators pressed as regulation wound down but couldn't find the back of the net and the game headed to overtime. Arizona won the initial face off, but it was Nashville who scored as Tommy Novak found Ryan McDonagh in the slot for the game winning goal.