Two Forsberg Goals, 29 Saros Saves Not Enough as Nashville Loses to Capitals After Surrendering Preventable Goals

A lead slips away

Nashville opened the scoring on a five-on-three power play. A turnover then left Cole Hutson out of the play as Washington drew level, before Boone Jenner scored on a rebound after the Predators had killed the Capitals’ first power play.

The Predators answered with a forecheck goal to make it 2-2. Another turnover and defensive stumble gave Hutson a chance to put Washington back in front.

Late rally falls short

Nashville tied the game again in the third period by driving to the net for a rebound. But the Predators lost track of Washington players in their defensive zone, and Alex Tuch scored the winning goal.

Saros made 29 saves, while Forsberg recorded his first multi-goal game of the season. Nashville also scored twice at five-on-five, but the team could not turn those contributions into a win.

Brunette cites preventable goals

Brunette said Nashville had put itself in a strong position with about 10 minutes remaining, but surrendered a goal he believed could have been prevented. He also pointed to mistakes involving puck movement, coverage and players falling during the sequence.

“I think they’re all preventable,” Brunette said, adding that giving up four goals makes it difficult to win. The loss was Nashville’s second straight and the ninth time this season it has finished on the losing side of the scoreboard.

Standings and next steps

Nashville has 13 points in 13 games and is tied for the Western Conference’s final Wild Card spot as the first month ends. The team has several early-season positives, despite having many new players on the roster. The Predators need to reduce mental errors and prevent goals they can control as November approaches, the account said.