Nashville Predators take match in shootout after intense third period competition 2-1 -NHL Update
Minnesota’s slump finally became noticeable as they were overthrown in the Western Conference from the second number spot to being number six with 46 points following their eighth straight loss against the Nashville Predators, 2-1, in a shootout on Wednesday
night, December 28, 2011, at the sold-out Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, United States.
The Wild and Predators failed to score any goals in the first 40 minutes of regulation, which had both teams on the edge and wanting to pot the game-winner heading into the final period, which could mean an uncertain overtime and possible a shootout, which
is never good for any team looking to bounce back after a number of losses.
Nashville’s veteran goalie, Pekka Rinne, faced 10 more shots as compared to his Minnesota counterpart, Josh Harding, but still managed to block 34 of 35 shots up until the overtime extension came to a close.
The Predators also did not have a single chance at the Wild net during the five minutes after regulation but still managed to keep Minnesota out of their end to force the match in a shootout decider.
Jordin Tootoo added the first goal of the night and his sixth of the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season at the seven minute mark, which gave off the impression that the Predators were ready to take the two points right then and there,
but luckily for Minnesota, Dany Heatley managed to score the equaliser with less than four minutes to go and force another chance in overtime.
The third period heated up once more when Tootoo was called for unsportsmanlike conduct and given a minor penalty after Heatley’s equaliser, but Minnesota failed to score the tie-breaker.
Colin Wilson, a 22-year-old former seventh overall draft pick by Nashville, came out as the game-winner for the Predators by capitalising on their first shootout chance, which was crucial for their win as both teams failed to pot any goal after that.
Pierre-Marc Bouchard was on for Minnesota’s third and last chance to level it for another life in the shootout but missed on his backhander at eight feet.
Nashville will now be facing the St. Louis Blues on Friday on the road while Minnesota is still looking to snap their losing streak and regain some ground in the West against the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday.
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