Predators' Hard Work Unable to Overcome Capitals in 3-2 Loss

Unfortunately, not. But that doesn’t stop us trying! So here we go… Juuse Saros’ valiant effort couldn’t save the Nashville Predators as they fell to Washington Capitals by 3-2 at Capital One Arena Wednesday, however. Saros made 33 saves to preserve a.917 save percentage versus Washington, who came in ranked seventh overall for total goals (46) coming into Wednesday’s contest. Meanwhile, Nashville showed some life offensively and maintained strong net-front presence – an encouraging sign after Monday’s 3-0 shutout loss against Los Angeles Kings at home. Steven Stamkos provided an instant response when he flicked home an Alexandre Carrier shot from the point, knotting up the score at 2-2 once more. Ovechkin finally broke open his account at 10:35 of the third period with an elbow shot from right circle. Nashville seemed poised to tie it again as Marc Del Gaizo and Jonathan Marchessault collided into the net with 7:47 remaining, only for officials to rule no goal due to goaltender interference. Nashville attempted to challenge this call but were unsuccessful, while Predators killed any subsequent penalties due to delays of game. After Saros was pulled for an extra attacker with 90 seconds left in regulation, Nashville maintained pressure in their offensive zone during the final minutes but were unable to convert and send the game into overtime. Washington defeated Nashville by a score of 3-2 to improve to 4-7-8-1 on the year. Key Takeaways were that Nashville’s offense continued its inconsistent play by hitting both post and crossbar four times during just the second period alone! Colton Sissons left early in the second period due to blocking an offensive shot with his wrist while protecting their defensive zone; as such he did not return until much later in the game. Sissons has not received an update regarding his status for Thursday’s contest against Florida Panthers, however Stamkos scored his third goal of the season and first at even strength for Nashville; Ovechkin netted goal No. 5. #Preds forward Steven Stamkos noted, “Sometimes hard work doesn’t necessarily equate to smart work; today was different in this respect as we forechecked, harassed and created turnovers en masse.” Brooks Bratten of Nashville Predators tweeted out, “Our five-on-five game was much improved tonight, so if we can replicate that moving forward I think our chances will improve significantly…”- The Predators will complete their back-to-back road set Thursday when they travel down south for their visit with Florida Panthers defending Stanley Cup Champions! Puck drop will take place at 6 pm CT and the game can be found locally on FanDuel Sports Network South and out-of-market customers in the U.S. on ESPN+. Visit The Hockey News Nashville Predators team site for all the latest news, game day coverage, player features, podcasts and more from Predators head coach Peter Laviolette as well as signing prospect Ozzy Wiesblatt as an addition.Recent Predators News Includes Sissons Responds to Wake-up CallNashville Predators Sign Prospect Ozzy WiesblattThree Nashville Predators Prospects Off to Hot StartLauzon Takes Massive Punch In Fight With Oilers’ PodkolzinLauzon Takes Massive Punch In Fight With Oilers’ Podkolzin