The Preditors deny Buffalo its 4th straight victory.
By Robby Stanley / NHL.com Independent Correspondent
NASHVILLE, TN. — Craig Smith broke a tie in the third period, and the Nashville Predators defeated Buffalo Sabres 2-1 at Bridgestone Arena on Saturday.
Ryan Johansen scored, and Pekka Rinne made 30 saves for the Predators (22-18-7), who had lost two games in a row.
Sam Reinhart scored for the Sabres (22-20-7), who had their three-game winning streak end. Linus Ullmark made 35 saves, and Jack Eichel’s point streak ended at nine games.
Smith gave the Predators a 2-1 lead with a power-play goal at 13:31 of the third when his redirection of a shot by Kyle Turris hit the left post and went in off Ullmark’s left leg.
Reinhart gave the Sabres a 1-0 lead at 18:58 of the first period off a cross-ice pass from Rasmus Dahlin.
Johansen tied it 1-1 at 6:05 of the second period off the rebound of Roman Josi’s shot that caromed off the end boards.