NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Nashville Predators secured a 2-0 triumph over the New York Rangers on Tuesday night, thanks to standout performances by Jonathan Marchessault and Adam Wilsby, alongside a stellar effort from goaltender Juuse Saros, who recorded 25 saves.
With this victory, the Predators have rebounded, taking two wins in their last three outings after enduring a franchise-equaling eight-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the Rangers, struggling to find their footing, have now lost three consecutive matches.
Igor Shesterkin, the Rangers’ netminder, made 30 saves but could not prevent another defeat for his team. This shutout marked the third of the season and the 26th career shutout for Saros. Notably, both Steven Stamkos and Filip Forsberg contributed with two assists each in the game.
The first goal came when Stamkos, driving through the center, received a pass from Forsberg on the left. He quickly sent a backhand pass to Marchessault on the right, allowing Marchessault to score with a simple tap-in past Shesterkin. Marchessault has been on a roll lately, registering three goals and three assists in his previous four games.
Wilsby later provided an insurance goal during the third period, marking his first in the NHL.
In the aftermath of the game, it is evident that things are not going smoothly for the defending Presidents’ Trophy winners, the Rangers. Losing to a team that had the fewest points in the standings coming into the game only adds to the challenges they have faced over the past month.
On the other hand, the Predators seem to be gaining some momentum. After facing challenges in consistently forming effective line combinations throughout the season, Stamkos, Forsberg, and Marchessault have been successfully paired on Nashville’s top line for the past four games, showcasing impressive chemistry.
A pivotal moment in the match occurred with 1:35 left in the second period when Saros thwarted a shorthanded breakaway attempt from Vincent Trocheck, securing Nashville’s 1-0 lead. Saros made a crucial glove save on Trocheck’s wrist shot taken from close range.
In terms of individual achievements, Predators defenseman Luke Schenn impressed with a career-high seven shots on goal during the game. Notably, six of those shots were taken in rapid succession within three seconds in the second period, all coming from just outside the crease.
Looking ahead, the Rangers will conclude their three-game road trip on Friday against the Dallas Stars, while the Predators are set to host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday.