Forsberg pushed it to 3-1 at 6:48 of the third period with a wrist shot on the power play, and Luke Schenn scored his first goal with the Predators from the right point to make it 4-1 at 7:51.
"It’s great to score the goal, but obviously, in the bigger picture, it’s great to contribute to a win," Schenn said. "That’s what I’m most excited about. But I was thinking about it a little bit, trying to get that first one out of the way. I’ve had some opportunities. It’s nice to finally see one and catch a break."
Walker cut it to 4-2 at 12:52 when the puck caromed in off him following Kevin Hayes's shot from a sharp angle.
O'Reilly scored into an empty net at 18:28 for the 5-2 final.
"This win says a lot about our club," Forsberg said. "We’ve been put in this situation a few times this year. We’ve answered the bell for the most part. We don’t want to repeat that result or that effort. Tonight was a lot better."
NOTES: Nashville allowed fewer than four goals for the first time in seven games. ... Schenn, a defenseman, faced his younger brother, Blues forward Brayden Schenn, for the 16th time in the NHL, winning the head-to-head matchup for just the fourth time. ... Thomas has 17 points (three goals, 14 assists) in his past 11 games. ... Krug has eight points (one goal, seven assists) in his past four games.