Josi Sets Franchise Points Record as Predators Defeat Blackhawks 4-2

Roman Josi set the record for most points in franchise history (567) as the Nashville Predators defeated the Chicago Blackhawks, 4-2, Wednesday night at United Center.
Nino Niederreiter gave Nashville a 1-0 lead at 9:23 of the first period, scoring from the high slot off a breakaway pass by Cody Glass. Chicago's Connor Murphy tied it 1-1 at 16:03 of the second period on a shot from the blue line.
MacKenzie Entwistle put the Blackhawks ahead 2-1 less than a minute later when his shot from the right circle deflected off the skate of Jeremy Lauzon. Matt Duchene tied it 2-2 at 19:55, tapping in a backdoor pass from Mattias Ekholm.
Josi gave the Predators a 3-2 lead at 1:27 of the third period with a backhander that snuck past goaltender Petr Mrazek. Tommy Novak's first goal of the season, on the power play, made it 4-2. Novak took a pass from Josi and scored on a wrist shot from the circle.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Record-Breaking Roman
Josi tied David Legwand for the most points in Predators franchise history (566) with his tip-in goal in the third period. With an assist on Novak's power-play goal later in the frame, the Predators captain became the franchise all-time points leader with 567. He becomes the second defenseman in NHL history to lead a franchise in points, joining Boston's Ray Bourque.

Give Me That Which I Desire
Niederreiter extended his team lead in goals to 11 with his first-period tally. A smooth pass from Glass found Niederreiter skating into the circle, where he fired a shot into the corner of the net to give the Predators a 1-0 lead at 9:23 of the first period.

The assist was the fifth of the season for Glass, who has three points (3a) in his last two games.
Dutchy Keeps Climbing
With his game-tying goal at the end of the second period, Duchene now has three points (2g-1a) in his last three games dating back to Dec. 15 at Winnipeg. He also tied Roman Josi and Filip Forsberg for the team lead in points with 25.

Power Play Stays Hot
Following an 0-for-21 scoring drought on the man advantage, the Preds now have two power-play goals in their last two games. Duchene snapped the skid on Monday vs. Edmonton, and Novak kept the momentum going with a goal just seconds into Nashville's first power play of the game vs. Chicago in the third period.
Two For Holding
Or is it boarding? This is something you don't see everyday - Mattias Ekholm's stick got wedged between the boards as he tried to handle the puck behind the Blackhawks' net early in the first period.

THEY SAID IT

Roman Josi on becoming Nashville's all-time points leader:
"It's definitely a huge honor, just being here for that long. It's something I never dreamed of obviously when I first started in the NHL. There were just so many people that put a lot of trust in me, so many people I'm thankful for and teammates who have been here for so long and staff."
Coach Hynes on Josi becoming Nashville's all-time points leader:
"What a great accomplishment for Roman. The franchise has had so many really good, successful players and I think it speaks volumes not only about his talent but I think his longevity and what he means to the organization. And having the opportunity to coach him and deal with him every day - I'd like to say it's not surprising. He's such a talented guy that's driven and committed and the consistency level that he plays with is certainly exceptional. You don't get recognized for those things and accomplish those things if you're not a highly-talented player that's really driven and that's what he is."
Tommy Novak on scoring on the power play:
"It feels good. It came at a pretty good time in the game for us to go up two and it felt really good to get the first one out of the way coming back this year. I would consider it one of my strengths and it's good to plug me right in there and it was a big line for me and I just took a shot and luckily it went in. So it was a good faceoff and a good play all around."
Coach Hynes on Nashville's improved effort:
"I think the most important thing is when you go through a little bit of a tough stretch, you have to work to get better and get back to an identity that gives you a chance to win and I think we've done that. I think we're playing a faster game. I think we're competing more on a regular basis. And I think we're generating more offense, which has been something that we struggled a little bit with. So I think we're going in the right direction and finding ways to win games is also a big part of that."

UP NEXT

The Preds head home to host the Colorado Avalanche Friday at Bridgestone Arena. Puck drops at 7 p.m. CT, and the game will be broadcast on Bally Sports South, 102.5 The Game and El Jefe Radio.