Predators edge Canucks in shootout after blowing late 2-goal lead

NASHVILLE -- The Nashville Predators recovered after blowing a two-goal lead late in the third period to win 5-4 in a shootout against the Vancouver Canucks at Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday.

Philip Tomasino scored his first goal of the season, and Juuso Parssinen had two assists for the Predators (27-22-6), who had lost three of four. Juuse Saros made 35 saves.
"Definitely happy we won the game, but it's … we can't go that far," Nashville forward Nino Niederreiter said. "We have to make sure we close the game out earlier. Overall, we've just got to be a lot better, but we found a way."

Predators center Ryan Johansen was helped to the locker room at 16:43 of the second period after the skate blade of Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes appeared to make contact with the back of his lower right leg.
"It didn't look good," Nashville coach John Hynes said. "I know that he got cut. Other than that, I have not had a chance to talk to the trainers yet."
Andrei Kuzmenko scored twice, and Conor Garland had a goal and an assist for the Canucks (22-30-5), who have lost four of five. Collin Delia made 22 saves.
"We played a really good road game," Vancouver forward J.T. Miller said. "A couple of breakdowns, but for the majority of the game I thought we outplayed them. A really solid [game], a good character comeback. Once you get past the end of regulation, it's kind of a crapshoot from that point. We battled really hard tonight. Good character stuff."

Garland cut it to 4-3 at 18:53 of the third period, redirecting a shot from Hughes with Delia pulled for the extra skater.
Kuzmenko then tied it 4-4 with 16 seconds remaining when he redirected a slap pass from Miller over the glove of Saros from the slot.
"We've seen that all year from us," Hughes said. "We don't quit. It's exciting to bring ourselves back in the game. Two goals with a minute and a half left just shows character, but also how guys want to win and are competitive. We're not just going to lay down."
Cole Smith gave the Predators a 1-0 lead at 4:38 of the first period, scoring on a rebound near the right post after Delia stopped Colton Sissons' attempt from in front with his right pad.
Canucks coach Rick Tocchet challenged the play for offside, but the call was confirmed after a video review.
Tomasino made it 2-0 at 7:57 of the second period with a power-play goal. He lifted a shot over Delia's glove from the edge of the crease off a give-and-go with Parssinen.
"Obviously, it was nice to get that first one out of the way, and I think it was a big goal for our group and for our unit, especially," said Tomasino, who was playing his fifth game this season. "I think we've had some good looks the last few games and haven't been able to click. Obviously, great play by Parssinen to [feed] me there."

Kuzmenko cut it to 2-1 at 12:47, receiving a stretch pass from Ethan Bear and scoring on a breakaway for his 25th goal of the season.
Sheldon Dries tied it 2-2 with 22 seconds left in the period when he jammed in a loose puck in the crease on a power play.
Niederreiter responded 12 seconds later to put Nashville back in front 3-2. Tommy Novak sent the puck out front from below the goal line, and Niederreiter slid in his own rebound with his backhand.
Mikael Granlund pushed it to 4-2 at 7:44 of the third period, knocking in the puck after Cody Glass' shot trickled past Delia.

NOTES: Canucks forward Elias Pettersson had an assist and has eight points (two goals, six assists) in his past three games. … Kuzmenko extended his point streak to four games (four goals, two assists). … Tocchet said defenseman Luke Schenn was a healthy scratch because of the possibility he may be traded. … Vancouver defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson was placed on injured reserve prior to the game. ... Novak has six points (three goals, three assists) in his past three games.