Nashville Predators 4, New Jersey Devils 2: Preds hold out against late push

Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty ImagesThe Nashville Predators finished off their homestand tonight against the New Jersey Devils. Both teams had had a rough few games heading into the evening’s matchup, and both were looking to improve their performances.

The Preds got out to a strong start, mostly keeping play in the Devils’ end and moving it quickly back up the ice when the Devils went on the attack. With six and a half minutes elapsed, Andreas Johnsson was called for boarding Eeli Tolvanen (who fortunately seemed all right), but eleven seconds into the power play Matt Duchene took a hooking penalty of his own.

Still, the Preds went back on the attack, and Roman Josi drew first blood…