Pro Sports

Wheeler, Jets beat skidding Predators 3-1

Posted March 06, 2015 10:00 pm

By JIM DIAMOND

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Tyler Myers (57) congratulates goalie Michael Hutchinson (34) following their 3-1 win against the Nashville Predators in an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 7, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski) The Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Things are going from bad to worse in Nashville.

Blake Wheeler scored the go-ahead goal midway through the second period, and the Winnipeg Jets beat Nashville 3-1 on Saturday night to hand the slumping Predators their sixth straight defeat.

Michael Frolik and Drew Stafford also scored for the Jets, who have won two of three. Winnipeg began the day with a two-point lead for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

"We've got to take care of our own business," Wheeler said. "If we start worrying about what the teams around us are doing, we're going to get caught up in the wrong thing. We play our game. We worry about what we do."

Ryan Ellis had the goal for Nashville. Before this skid, the Predators had not lost three in a row all season.

"Obviously, I think a lot of guys in here are (ticked) off and frustrated because I thought we fought hard again tonight, and not getting the results," Nashville captain Shea Weber said. "At the same time we've got to find a way. We're working at this. It's not going to come easy, we know that."

Nashville holds a two-point lead over second-place St. Louis in the Central Division, with the Blues having two games in hand.

Frolik scored the game's first goal at 14:54 of the opening period. From the left side, Andrew Ladd found Frolik unchecked as he skated through the slot, and he beat goalie Pekka Rinne low to the glove side for his 15th of the season.

Frolik's six-game point streak established a career high. He has four goals and two assists in that span.

Nashville's opponents have scored first in 11 straight games.

Ellis tied it 1-all at 10:17 of the second with a shot from the right point through traffic. The goal was his first since Jan. 6. The defenseman missed 21 games with a lower-body injury sustained Jan. 8.

Winnipeg regained the lead 35 seconds later.

Rinne stopped Tyler Myers' shot from the left side but the rebound kicked to Wheeler, who had an easy tap-in for his 18th of the season.

"That was a tough break," Nashville coach Peter Laviolette said. "It was frustrating to finally get one and get even and give it up that quick."

Michael Hutchinson made 20 saves in his 20th win of the season.

"It's definitely something that's special," he said. "It's pretty cool. I was just happy that I have been able to help the team win games. The team has been playing really well in the games that I have played."

Stafford's empty-net goal in the final minute accounted for the final margin. Wheeler assisted on the play.

NOTES: Winnipeg C Jiri Tlusty played his 400th NHL game. ... Myers has eight points in 10 games since the Jets acquired the defenseman from Buffalo on Feb. 11. ... Nashville C Craig Smith has points in three straight games.

Nashville Predators center Colin Wilson (33) has his shot blocked by Winnipeg Jets goalie Michael Hutchinson (34) in the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 7, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. Winnipeg won 3-1. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski) The Associated Press

Winnipeg Jets right wing Drew Stafford (12) and Nashville Predators left wing James Neal, right, return to their benches after Stafford scored an open-net goal in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators Saturday, March 7, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. Winnipeg won 3-1. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski) The Associated Press

Nashville Predators center Mike Santorelli (10) has his shot blocked by Winnipeg Jets goalie Michael Hutchinson (34) in the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 7, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski) The Associated Press

Winnipeg Jets right wing Blake Wheeler, center at right, celebrates with Drew Stafford (12), Tobias Enstrom, left, of Sweden, and Mark Scheifele (55) after scoring a goal against the Nashville Predators in the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 7, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski) The Associated Press

Winnipeg Jets right wing Michael Frolik, top, of the Czech Republic, celebrates with left wing Andrew Ladd (16) after Frolik scored a goal against the Nashville Predators in the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 7, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski) The Associated Press

Winnipeg Jets right wing Michael Frolik (67), of the Czech Republic, scores a goal against Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne, of Finland, in the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 7, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski) The Associated Press

Nashville Predators defenseman Seth Jones (3) blocks the path of Winnipeg Jets right wing Lee Stempniak (20) in the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 7, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski) The Associated Press

Winnipeg Jets left wing Andrew Ladd (16) collides with teammate Anthony Peluso (14) as Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne, left, of Finland, covers up a shot in the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 7, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Hockey NHL Pro Sports Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.