Predators get 3 goals in 1st period, beat Lightning 7-2

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Roman Josi had a goal and an assist in Nashville’s three-goal first period as the Predators beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 7-2 Tuesday night for their fifth win in six games.

Josi also had an assist in the third. Viktor Arvidsson scored two goals and an assist, Rocco Grimaldi added a goal and an assist, and Tanner Jeannot and Mikael Granlund also scored. Ryan Johansen and Rem Pitclick each had two assists with Pitlick’s the first points of his career. “It’s a big win for us against a really good team,” Josi said.

Juuse Saros made 21 saves and improved to 9-2-0 in his last 11 starts. Nashville salvaged a 2-6 mark in the season series and kept control of fourth in the Central Division. The Predators are 13-3 over their past 16 games, though coach John Hynes doesn’t want them getting too concerned about winning or losing right now. “You have to have more of a playoff mentality at this point in the season,” Hynes said.

Brayden Point had a power-play goal and Yanni Gourde also scored for Tampa Bay.

The Lightning won the first three games in Nashville this season by a combined 13-2 score. Tampa Bay came in tied for first in the NHL with Toronto and Colorado with 28 wins, but the loss slipped the Lightning to second with Florida having a game in hand in the Central.

Perfection

The Predators improved to 11-0-0 when leading after two periods. The Lightning (21-0-0) are the only other NHL team undefeated when taking a lead into the third period.

David Savard made his debut with Tampa Bay after the Lightning traded for the defenseman Saturday afternoon. Savard joined the Lightning on Sunday night and practiced with them Monday. He skated with Hedman on the top defense pairing.

700 club

McDonagh played his 700th career NHL game and became the 39th active NHL defenseman to reach that mark. He now has played 184 games with Tampa Bay and 516 for the New York Rangers.

Golfers at suite

Pro golfers Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas, fresh off the Masters, took in the game from a suite.