Juuse Saros made 31 saves in a 3-1 victory for the Nashville Predators Monday afternoon, spoiling the Ottawa Senators' home opener.
Ryan O’Reilly’s third-period goal held up as the winner.
O’Reilly made it 2-0 with 5:22 remaining in regulation. Steven Stamkos had his shot attempt blocked and the puck bounced right to O’Reilly for his second of the season.
Ridley Greig scored a power-play goal with 2:03 remaining to cut the lead in half, but Jonathan Marchessault and Cole Smith each added empty-net goals in the final minute to secure the win.
Marchessault opened the scoring at 12:11 of the second period tucking the puck five-hole on Ullmark, who stopped 22 shots, to capitalize on a turnover inside the blue line.
Jake Sanderson appeared to open the scoring for the Senators at the six-minute mark of the second, but the goal was overturned after a lengthy review due to goaltender interference from Tim Stutzle.
Seven minor penalties in the first period made it difficult for either team to get in a rhythm.
After giving up five power-play goals through their first two games, the Senators were fortunate the Predators power play was ineffective, going 0 for 6.
Key moment
With the Senators on a powerplay and the net empty Ridley Greig was in the right spot to have a Dylan Cozens shot bounce off him and past Saros to cut the lead to one.
Key stat
Entering Monday, the Senators won five straight home openers. The last time Ottawa opened at home against Nashville was during the Predators’ inaugural season in 1998-99, a 3-1 Senators victory.
Up next
Senators: Head to Buffalo to take on the Sabres on Wednesday.
Predators: Visit Toronto to play the Maple Leafs on Tuesday.
