Predators shut out Red Wings, extend team-record point streak to 17 games

NASHVILLE -- The Nashville Predators extended their team-record point streak to 17 games, the longest in the NHL this season, with a 1-0 win against the Detroit Red Wings at Bridgestone Arena on Saturday.

Juuse Saros made 23 saves for his third shutout this season, and Filip Forsberg scored for the Predators (42-25-4), who are 15-0-2 during the longest point streak in the NHL this season and have won five consecutive games. Nashville remained five points ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights for the first wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Western Conference, having played one more game. Vegas defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-2 on Saturday.

The Predators will host the Golden Knights on Tuesday.

“It’s fun to be a part of this,” Saros said. “It just starts every day with keeping that same focus and not taking nights off. It’s been great. I feel like we’re building something special here.”

Nashville had been tied with the Edmonton Oilers for the longest point streak this season. Edmonton won 16 straight games from Dec. 21-Jan. 27.

“I think we’ve been on a stretch here for a long time where we’ve given everything we’ve had,” Predators coach Andrew Brunette said. “I think we ran out of a little gas both physically and, probably as much emotionally, over this stretch. We have to be mindful of rest and recovery. We can’t expect us to be great every night. But again, probably for me the proudest of the group for this stretch is that we’re able to find it in the third period.”

Alex Lyon made 32 saves for the Red Wings (36-29-6), who had won three of four following a seven-game losing streak.

“I thought the guys were great tonight,” Lyon said. “Passioned and emotion and blocking shots. [Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider] is always blocking shots. Guys were awesome tonight, and I thought we were communicating really well in the [defensive] zone. I think that’s important for us, and I think it makes the game simpler and cleaner.”

The Red Wings remained one point ahead of the Washington Capitals for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference.

“It was just really frustrating and disappointing that, unfortunately, it came down to one play,” Detroit coach Derek Lalonde said. “We had it on our stick three different times within that flurry, and it’s kind of self-inflicted. A lot of positives, obviously, but just a huge missed opportunity for a point.”

Forsberg scored at 14:46 of the third period on a wrist shot from low in the right face-off circle. Forsberg had a backhand attempt blocked by Jeff Petry, then put the puck on his forehand beat Lyon high on the glove side.

Forsberg extended his goal streak to five games (six goals).

“I think we just kind of take over as we go,” he said. “This one was two periods that maybe wasn’t necessarily the greatest, but we know what we can do. We know what we work hard for in training camp and everything. I do want to give that some credit. We’re in good shape, and we all come out ready to go in the third. The third was by far our best period of the night, and it ended up being enough.”

The Predators have not lost in regulation since a 9-2 loss to the Dallas Stars on Feb. 15.

This was Nashville's second consecutive shutout; Kevin Lankinen made 33 saves in a 3-0 win at the Florida Panthers on Thursday.

“A lot of big blocks today again,” Saros said of the Predators, who had 13 blocked shots. “The penalty kill has been a huge part that has been working really well. I think we’re all kind of on the same page and really committed. Playing our way.”

NOTES: Red Wings forwards Lucas Raymond and Patrick Kane each had a six-game point streak end. … Detroit center Dylan Larkin had three shots on goal and played 19:26 after missing practice Friday because of an illness. … The Predators were 3-for-3 on the penalty kill and are 6-for-6 in their past three games.  … Nashville defenseman Roman Josi (assist) extended his point streak to six games (10 points; three goals, seven assists).