"We talked a lot about our game against Boston [on Thursday night], and I think we did a lot of good things," Kunin said. "It didn't show on the scoreboard, but as far as our game was concerned, that was how we wanted to play, and we just wanted to carry some of that stuff into tonight… I'm sure it's the best game I've had on my birthday.... To get the win just really capped it off."
After Montreal defenseman Brett Kulak broke a 2-2 tie just three minutes into the third with his first goal of the season, Kunin forced overtime with his fourth goal of the year. The forward punched home the equalizer by battling through a scrum at the net front, exhibiting exactly why he is so valued by Hynes and the Preds.
"He has the ability to score, he's a hard player to play against. He had some big hits, obviously he had the fight tonight, but that's the type of player that Luke is and that's why he's valuable to the team," Hynes said. " He's a hard, competitive player to play against. He's got offensive skill to score, and he has the ability to score in different ways. He does a good job in the net front. He has tips and rebounds, the way he scored tonight was good, but I think a lot of the attributes that he brings as a player is what makes him such a valuable guy for us."
He also helped set up a goal from Tolvanen in the first period. After going 22 games without finding the back of the net, Tolvanen was able to erase his goalless streak and help the Preds jump out to a first-period lead. It was the ninth time this season that Nashville has led after the first period, and they have now won each and every one of those nine.
"I think Johansen's line in the last few games with Kunin and Tolvanen has been really good. They haven't been rewarded on the scoresheet for how they've played, so it's nice to see both those guys - Kunin gets a Gordie Howe hat trick on his birthday, (Tolvanen) has been working his butt off, winds up with a good tip goal," Hynes said. "I think the most important thing is that they got rewarded for the effort that they've put in, and now if they continue with the way that they're playing then the production will continue to come."