OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Juuse Saros made 31 saves to lead the Nashville Predators to a 4-1 win over the Ottawa Senators on Monday.
Ryan O’Reilly’s third-period goal held up as the winner.
O’Reilly made it 2-0 with 5:22 remaining in regulation. Steven Stamkos had his shot attempt blocked and the puck bounced right to O’Reilly for his second of the season.
Ridly Greig scored a power-play goal with 2:03 remaining to cut the lead in half, but Jonathan Marchessault and Cole Smith each added empty-net goals in the final minute to secure the win.
Marchessault opened the scoring at 12:11 of the second period tucking the puck five-hole on Linus Ullmark, who stopped 22 shots, to capitalize on a turnover inside the blue line.
Jake Sanderson appeared to open the scoring for the Senators at the six-minute mark of the second, but the goal was overturned after a lengthy review due to goaltender interference from Tim Stutzle.
Seven minor penalties in the first period made it difficult for either team to get in a rhythm.
After giving up five power-play goals through their first two games, the Senators were fortunate the Predators power play was ineffective going 0 for 6.
Ottawa made lineup changes with Tyler Kleven returning from injury and Jordan Spence and Olle Lycksell making their Senators debut. Drake Batherson missed his third straight game.
Senators: Visit the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night.
Predators: Visit the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night.
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