New York. The Nashville Predators had a good day in the New York area.
Yesterday they beat NJ in Newark in overtime and last night they beat the Islanders in Long Island.
– Yes, we got four points and that’s exactly what we came for, top scorer Philipp Forsberg told Sportbladet after the 4-1 win.
The Predator’s guest appearance on “The Capital District” was short-lived – but it was a hit. Despite the two hot teams facing off in the area, they took full advantage. First, there was an overtime victory against the Devils at the Prudential Center – and a day later they took on the Islanders at UBS Arena on Long Island in a more apparent 4-1 win.
– Well, we played well in two periods and were 2-0 before the third, but then we got a lot of pressure from the Islanders, says Philip Forsberg when we talk to him afterwards.
— and yet we resisted, above all because Kevin Lankinen was absolutely amazing in the box, and then we managed to fit two in an empty box.
Philip himself scored his eighth goal of the season in a powerful game in the first period – with a powerful shot – and also provided an assist.
– Matt Duchini had a great pass, I just had to shoot and I got a good shot, he says about the goal.
In total, the Preds have won three in a row, so they’re up for a spot in the Western Conference playoffs.
The question is – after a shaky start to the season, have they risen to the top and found their true identity now?
– Not quite, I still don’t think we played our best hockey, there’s more to offer. But we find ways to win and that’s very important at this point, says Philip.
Matthias Ekholm also contributed help against the islanders.
Meanwhile, in Manhattan, it looked like Mika Zibanejad’s 2-1 goal early in the third period against Ottawa—his 12th of the season—would be enough to seal the victory.
But no, the Rangers managed to squander another lead. Brady Tkachuk tied the game with just 49 seconds left – then decided the same guy in overtime.
– We weren’t good enough and actually had to take some extra time, we have to consider ourselves lucky because we were 2-2 full time, something that worries coach Gerard Gallant who is under increasing pressure.
The Columbus Blue Jackets were responsible for the roar of the night. They were able to beat Winnipeg, who were very strong in the end, 4-1.
in the far field.
“A really solid effort,” says coach Brad Larsen.
Patrick Lane, returning after seven games on the injury list, put two pucks on his old teammates as Gustav Nyquist netted.