Saros, Stamkos Lead Predators Past Blues

The Predators improved to 8-4-5 with the win, their second over the Blues this season. St. Louis fell to 7-8-2 and has lost three straight. Jimmy Snuggerud opened the scoring for the visitors at 13:07 of the first period, converting on a power play.

Nashville answered on its own advantage. Stamkos collected a rebound and tied the game with 3:53 left in the opening period, his 10th goal of the season. The power-play tally was the 248th of his NHL career, moving him into sole possession of fifth place in league history for such goals.

Ross Colton put the Predators ahead at 9:02 of the second, taking a pass from Jack Drury and beating Joel Hofer from the slot. Colton has scored in three consecutive games, matching his career best. Nashville captain Roman Josi assisted on both the Stamkos and Colton goals and has five points over his past three games.

Saros turned aside 25 shots as St. Louis pressed for an equalizer in the third. Hofer made 26 saves for the Blues. With the visitors’ goalie pulled late, Nick Perbix scored into the empty net with 1:29 left, sealing Nashville’s 3-1 win. Perbix has scored twice in his past three games.

Nashville begins a five-game trip to the West Coast against the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday. St. Louis returns home to play Detroit that night.