Predators 3, Red Wings 2
PREDATORS 3, RED WINGS 2: Andrei Kostitsyn scored two power-play goals – both set up by his brother Sergei – as host Nashville pulled to within four points of fourth-place Detroit in the Western Conference standings by downing its Central Division foe.
With the Predators nursing a 2-1 lead, Andrei Kostitsyn secured the win at 4:34 of the third period with his 15th goal. He received a cross-crease pass from his brother and beat Joey MacDonald.
Justin Abdelkader scored a late goal for Detroit but a comeback fell short as Pekka Rinne made 35 saves – 17 in pressure-packed third period - for his league-leading 38th win.
Patric Hornqvist scored his 21st goal of the season by finishing a 2-on-1 rush with David Legwand for the game’s first goal at 7:30 of the opening period.
With a feed to the top of the crease, Andrei Kostitsyn made it 2-1 for the Predators midway through the first period.
Just 13 seconds after Hornqvist scored, Drew Miller leveled the contest at 1-1.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Hornqvist’s goal was the first of his career against Detroit. ... Nashville improved to 12-1-2 in its last 15 home games. ... Held without a point, Henrik Zetterberg has still collected nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points in his last 17 games. ... Legwand had three assists for Nashville.