Novak lifts Predators previous Flames 3-2 in shootout

CALGARY, Alberta — Tommy Novak scored the deciding aim within the shootout and the Nashville Predators beat the Calgary Flames 3-2 on Monday night time to protect their playoff hopes.

Zach Sanford and Egor Afanasyev additionally scored for the Predators, who’ve two residence video games remaining within the common season – on Thursday in opposition to Minnesota and Friday in opposition to Colorado.

“I’m not really sure exactly the scenarios, but we’ve just got to keep our foot on the pedal and try to win two games and give ourselves the best chance,” Novak mentioned.

Juuse Saros stopped 42 pictures via time beyond regulation and three of 4 within the shootout.

“He means everything to this group,” Novak mentioned. “He’s amazing every night. Literally every night, he keeps us in every game. He gives us a chance to win even in games we’re getting kind of streamrolled a little bit sometimes.”

Troy Stecher and Mikael Backlund scored for the Flames, and Jacob Markstrom completed with 27 saves.

PHOTOS: Novak lifts Predators previous Flames 3-2 in shootout

Jonathan Huberdeaul scored on the primary try of the shootout for the Flames. Cody Glass tied it within the third spherical for the Predators, and Novak received it within the fourth spherical.

The Winnipeg Jets beating the San Jose Sharks earlier Monday meant each Calgary and Nashville wanted the win on the Saddledome to remain mathematically alive for the postseason.

Calgary’s 17 time beyond regulation and shootout losses is probably the most within the NHL.

“We felt like we were in almost every game this year and we just didn’t manage to get that goal when we needed a goal,” Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson mentioned. “You take half the OT losses we’ve lost this year, shootout, and we’re in (the playoffs) by a few points. It’s a do league. It’s not a what-if league. Coming home tonight and waking up tomorrow, that’s when you’re going to realize that we’re out.”

Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar couldn’t convert a pair of probabilities and Andersson couldn’t hit an open top-corner goal in time beyond regulation.

“Too bad. Thought we deserved better. Good chances in overtime. Fight back in the third to tie it. Tough,” Flames coach Darryl Sutter mentioned.

Nashville led 1-0 after the opening interval. Afanasyev scored the primary NHL aim of his profession at 5:49. Predators ahead Mark Jankowski chased the puck behind Calgary’s internet. The former Flames participant fed the 22-year-old Afanasyev within the slot to brush the puck in far facet.

Stecher tied it at 7:41 of the second interval inside seconds of Calgary killing off a Huberdeau tripping minor. With Huberdeau offering a display, the defenseman threaded a rising shot via visitors over Saros’ shoulder.

Sanford put the Predators forward 2-1 at 4:02 of the third. Markstrom made an preliminary save on Glass, however dragged the puck into the crease together with his proper pad for Sanford to bang into the web.

Backlund tied it at 8:03 as he completed a tick-tack-toe passing play from Huberdeau and Andrew Mangiapane and threaded a shot beneath Saros’ proper armpit.

SWEEPING

Nashville received all three conferences within the season sequence in opposition to Calgary.

UP NEXT

Predators: Host Minnesota on Thursday night time.