Predators defeat Panthers to win fifth straight

NASHVILLE -- Kevin Fiala scored twice, and Nick Bonino and Calle Jarnkrok each had three points for the Nashville Predators in a 4-3 win against the Florida Panthers at Bridgestone Arena on Saturday.

The Predators (28-11-6) have won five consecutive games and are in first place in the Central Division.
WATCH: [All Panthers vs. Predators highlights]
"We have depth, and we're confident in our lineup throughout it, whether it's our regular guys that are in or guys that aren't regulars that are coming in every now and then," Nashville defenseman P.K. Subban said. "We have confidence in everyone that we can play the system that our coaching staff has put in place. We've seen a lot of success when we stick to the plan and execute properly over the past year or so that I've been here anyway."
Harri Sateri, in his first NHL start, made 25 saves for the Panthers (19-20-6).
"I'll give him credit, especially being down 1-0 real quick," Florida coach Bob Boughner said. "We had a breakdown there. That's not the preferred situation for a guy playing his first game, but he kicked out some pucks there in the first period when they had some chances. He gave us a chance to win tonight. I'll put it that way."

Fiala gave the Predators a 1-0 lead 36 seconds into the first period. Bonino tracked down a loose puck and passed it to Jarnkrok, who passed to Fiala in front of the crease for his 12th goal.
"I think everybody worked hard," Fiala said. "I think sometimes if it's new lines and we've never played together once, it can just work. And it worked today for sure. It was just great to play. I enjoyed it a lot."
Vincent Trocheck scored for the Panthers to tie the game 1-1 at 11:16 of the first period on the power play. Jonathan Huberdeau had an to extend his point streak to seven games.
Derek MacKenzie gave the Panthers a 2-1 lead at 16:33.
Bonino scored for the Predators to tie the game 2-2 at 1:24 of the second period on a scramble in the crease. Jarnkrok jammed the puck toward the net, and Bonino tapped it across the line for his seventh goal. The Panthers challenged for goaltender interference but the goal was upheld.
"I've been waiting for a game like this for a while," Bonino said. "I think a lot of the times, I'm passing and it just hasn't gone in the net, and it gets frustrating. But as long as I'm winning face-offs and blocking shots and contributing in other areas, you can't get too down on yourself. Tonight, obviously, it's nice to see the puck go in a few times."
Fiala gave the Predators a 3-2 lead at 10:53 of the second period on a shot from the slot after receiving a pass Bonino made from behind the net.
Subban scored on a slap shot from the top of the right face-off circle to give the Predators a 4-2 lead at 16:29.
Keith Yandle scored for the Panthers from the neutral zone to make it 4-3 at 8:34 of the third period.

Goal of the game

Fiala's goal at 10:53 of the second period.

Save of the game

Rinne's save on Trocheck at 4:50 of the third period.

Highlight of the game

Yandle's goal at 8:34 of the third period.

They said it

"There's some real good things happening, it's just a shame we're not getting a point or two out of here tonight. It's a tough building to win in." -- Panthers coach Bob Boughner
"You've just got to be able to win any game, especially tonight when you have a lead going into the third period. As the season goes on into the playoffs, these are the games you need to win, you need to close out. I thought we sat back a bit. They got the third one, a little bit fluky, and after that we kind of shut them down from there." -- Predators forward Nick Bonino

Need to know

Predators forward Viktor Arvidsson had two shots in 16:11 after missing two games with an undisclosed injury. ... Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm (illness) was scratched.

What's next

Panthers: At the Dallas Stars on Tuesday (8:30 p.m. ET; FS-F, FS-SW, NHL.TV)
Predators: Host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday (8 p.m. ET; TVA Sports, SUN2FS-TN, NHL.TV)