Ryan O'Reilly helps Predators clip Blackhawks in shootout

Field Level Media|published: Tue 5th December, 23:29 2023

Dec 5, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Nick Foligno (17) scores against Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (74) during the first period at United Center. credits: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan O'Reilly scored the go-ahead goal in a shootout and had a power-play goal in regulation and Juuse Saros stopped 25 shots to lift the visiting Nashville Predators to a 4-3 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.

Nashville stretched its road point streak against Chicago to 12 games while moving to 15-1-3 overall vs. the Blackhawks in the past 19 meetings between the teams.

Nick Foligno had two goals and an assist for the Blackhawks, while Seth Jones added a pair of assists.

The Predators outscored the Blackhawks 3-1 in the shootout, with Chicago's lone goal coming from rookie Connor Bedard.

Nashville didn't record a shot on goal in the third period until there was 8:15 remaining as Chicago maintained control of the puck and the momentum.

The Blackhawks outshot the Predators 9-5 in the third before both teams failed to net the game-winner in overtime. The shootout marked the first this season for both Chicago and Nashville.

An offensive frenzy in the second period saw the clubs combine for five goals, including three in a 58-second span.

Luke Evangelista opened the flurry 2:11 into the second, capitalizing on Blackhawks goaltender Arvid Soderblom's struggles with rebound control. The problem resurfaced 26 seconds later when Mark Jankowski converted another rebound attempt, putting the Predators ahead 2-1.

The Blackhawks answered 32 seconds after that, as Jason Dickinson gathered a pass from Foligno, darted through the slot and beat Saros with a wrist shot. Foligno gave Chicago a 3-2 advantage at 5:21 of the second when he scored on a rebound, but the lead lasted for only seven-plus minutes.

O'Reilly backhanded a rebound attempt on the power play to tie the game at 12:59.

Chicago opened the scoring 5:57 into the game, as Foligno crashed the net and slid a shot past Saros.

Chicago finished 0-for-2 on the power play, continuing a dry spell on the man advantage against Nashville in games played at home.

The Blackhawks haven't scored a power-play goal against the Predators at United Center over the past nine games, a span of 26 chances.

Soderblom made 27 saves.

Nashville is 2-0 against Chicago this season.

—Field Level Media

Latest