Predators sweep back-to-back set, hand Blue Jackets fifth straight loss

NASHVILLE --Juuse Saros made 28 saves, and Eeli Tolvanen scored the tiebreaking goal in a 3-1 win for the Nashville Predators against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Bridgestone Arena on Sunday.

The Predators (10-11-0), who defeated the Blue Jackets 2-1 here Saturday, have won four of their past five games, with three coming against Columbus.
"I just think our consistency has been a lot better," Nashville captain Roman Josi said. "So we can definitely take some confidence from the last five games, but we've got to keep it up. We've got to play at that consistency for sure."
Kevin Stenlund scored, and Joonas Korpisalo made 26 saves for the Blue Jackets (8-10-5), who have lost five straight games (0-4-1) and have one win in their past eight games (1-5-2). The victory was a 3-0 shutout against the Predators on Feb. 18.
"I think we're just a timid group," Columbus captain Nick Foligno said. "It's like we just don't want to let our game go and just trust your instincts. Trust what makes you a great player. I don't know how that's snuck into our room, but it has. I think we just need to understand that there's a reason why we're in this league and why we have the abilities we have and let that play into it a little bit."
Stenlund gave the Blue Jackets a 1-0 lead at 3:45 of the first period when he scored off a backhand pass from Riley Nash.
"Obviously, no one likes to lose, and we're finding ourselves in a situation that only the guys in the room can get us out of," Columbus defenseman Seth Jones said. "We'll continue to work at things we need to do to win hockey games."

Nick Cousins scored for the Predators to tie the game 1-1 at 7:05 of the first on a redirection in front of the net off of a pass by Viktor Arvidsson.
"I think our game is trending in the right direction," Cousins said. "I think in the last five games we've had a lot of consistency. Our defense are getting the forwards the puck really quick, and it makes our transition game that much more effective. It's been good, but we've got to keep it going. Obviously, we dug ourselves in a hole here that we've got to get out of (6-10-0 start to season), but I really like our game and we're trending in the right direction, so it's good to see."
Tolvanen gave the Predators a 2-1 lead with a power-play goal at 9:44 of the second period on a wrist shot from the left face-off circle off a cross-ice pass from Filip Forsberg.
"I know when [Forsberg] gets the puck on the power play, you just have to find those open lanes," Tolvanen said. "He can make those passes. It's kind of an easy job for me when I get the puck. I just need to put it on net. He's an elite guy and I love playing with him."

Erik Haula made it 3-1 at 18:08 of the third period on a shorthanded breakaway off a pass from Josi. He has scored two goals in three games after he had none in his first 17.
"I had a couple of good looks and not being able to score is frustrating at times," Haula said. "So it was nice to get another look and be able to put that one in. Obviously, it felt good, and hopefully [goals] start coming."
NOTES: Predators forward Luke Kunin left the game in the second period. There was no update after the game. … Nashville defenseman Mark Borowiecki did not play because of an upper-body injury and is day to day. … The Blue Jackets have scored two goals in their past three games. … Five of the Predators' 10 wins this season have come against the Blue Jackets.