Steven Stamkos Scores Milestone Goal as Predators Defeat Stars 2-1
Saros Makes 29 Saves as Predators Defeat Stars 2-1
The Tech TL;DR:
- Steven Stamkos and Nils Hoglander scored power-play goals in the first period to lift the Nashville Predators past the Dallas Stars 2-1 on Saturday night.
- Juuse Saros secured 29 saves for Nashville, moving the team to a 1-1 record on the young season while dropping Dallas to 0-2.
- Miro Heiskanen opened the scoring for Dallas just 47 seconds into the game, but the Stars failed to capitalize further against Nashville goaltending.
Steven Stamkos and Nils Hoglander capitalized on the power play in the opening period, and goaltender Juuse Saros stopped 29 shots to push the Nashville Predators to a 2-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Saturday night, the Associated Press reported. The win brings Nashville to a 1-1 record on the season.
Early Scoring Give-and-Take in Nashville
Following a season-opening shutout loss at home to St. Louis, the Dallas Stars wasted no time finding the back of the net on Saturday. Miro Heiskanen scored 47 seconds after the opening faceoff with a wrist shot from the right circle, putting the visitors ahead early. Dallas entered the matchup looking to rebound after going 4 for 4 on the penalty kill during Friday’s loss to St. Louis, but special teams quickly turned against them in Nashville.
Steven Stamkos answered for the Predators at 4:46 of the first period, converting on the power play. The milestone marker marked career goal 625 for Stamkos, tying him with Jarome Iginla and Joe Sakic for 17th place on the NHL’s career goals list. Nashville finished the night 2 for 3 on the power play.
Hoglander and New Additions Deliver the Game-Winner
Nils Hoglander secured his first goal as a Predator with 4:10 remaining in the first period, capitalizing on another power-play opportunity to establish a 2-1 lead. Nashville acquired Hoglander in an offseason trade with the Vancouver Canucks. Jack Achan and Alex Kerfoot earned assists on the play, marking their first points in a Predators uniform.
Casey DeSmith stopped 24 shots for the Stars, who fell to 0-2 on the season after failing to convert further offensive pressure through the final two periods. Saros stood firm in the crease for Nashville, neutralizing 29 attempts to preserve the one-goal margin.
Upcoming Schedule for Both Teams
The Dallas Stars return home to host San Jose on Monday night. Meanwhile, the Nashville Predators travel north for an away matchup against Toronto on Tuesday night.