NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Nashville Predators had every piece in place for another long playoff run chasing the Stanley Cup.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Nashville Predators mixed up the roster in February by bringing in four new players. It turns out the biggest addition may have come in the final week of the regular...

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson is returning to the lineup for the first time since he was suspended by the NHL more than two months ago for alcohol...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Playing hours after the NHL trade deadline isn't easy, and a pair of late deals left the Nashville Predators short a couple of forwards — forcing coach Peter Laviolette to...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Pekke Rinne and Viktor Arvidsson gave Nashville more of the same Thursday night. A little extra from newcomer Brian Boyle helped make the difference.

Rinne stopped 34 shots, Arvidsson and Boyle scored, and the Nashville Predators beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-1 to snap a three-game skid.

Rinne was sharp, especially in the second period, when he turned aside all 21 Montreal shots he faced.

"I thought Pekka was outstanding," Nashville coach Peter Laviolette said.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Nashville Predators are back at work feeling a little healthier after an eight-day break for their bye and ready to put together all the pieces for the stretch run to the postseason.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — If Nashville and Vegas meet in the postseason, Predators coach Peter Laviolette shouldn't have a problem choosing his starting goaltender.

Juuse Saros owns the Golden Knights.

Saros made a career-high 47 saves and improved to 3-0 against Vegas as Nashville topped the Golden Knights 2-1 on Wednesday night.

DENVER (AP) — Peter Laviolette and his goaltender had a lot in common — both were skillful in the art of deflecting.

In Laviolette's case, it was too much of the credit after earning victory No. 600 as an NHL coach.

"Tonight was a team win," the Predators coach said.

On a milestone Monday for Laviolette, goaltender Pekka Rinne stopped a penalty shot in making 35 saves and Nashville knocked off the reeling Colorado Avalanche 4-1.

DENVER (AP) — Pekka Rinne stopped a penalty shot in making 35 saves and the Nashville Predators knocked off the reeling Colorado Avalanche 4-1 on Monday to help Peter Laviolette capture win No. 600 of his NHL coaching career.

MONTREAL (AP) — All eyes were on P.K. Subban and Shea Weber. Craig Smith stole the show.

Smith scored twice and the Nashville Predators defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-1 on Saturday night in the second matchup between Subban and Weber since the blockbuster trade in 2016.

Weber scored against his former team and Subban had two assists in a game in which Smith's team-leading 13th and 14th goals of the season were the difference.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Nashville Predators entered the final game of 2018 with their longest losing streak in more than five years.

The Predators broke the skid with a needed offensive outburst.

Nashville's 6-3 win over the Washington Capitals on Monday ended a six-game slide, the Predators' longest since April 4-19, 2013.

Ryan Johansen had a goal and two assists, Viktor Arvidsson and Rocco Grimaldi each added a goal as Nashville scored five unanswered goals.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Pekka Rinne was beaten early, but never again.

Ryan Ellis scored his first game-winning goal of the season, Rinne made 25 saves and the Nashville Predators defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-1 on Tuesday night.

Austin Watson and Craig Smith also scored for Nashville, which halted a two-game skid.

Zack Smith scored for Ottawa, which has lost four of five.

Nashville improved its record against Eastern Conference opponents to 9-0-0 this season.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Nashville Predators credited their defensive effort after their latest win.

Kevin Fiala scored the tiebreaking goal late in the second period and the Predators beat the Buffalo Sabres 2-1 Monday night. Ryan Ellis also scored and Pekka Rinne stopped 21 shots to help Nashville win its second straight.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Calle Jarnkrok's three goals sent many Nashville Predators fans home with a serious case of hat head.

Jarnkrok recorded his first career hat trick to lead the Predators to a 5-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night.

"That was a good night for him," Nashville coach Peter Laviolette said. "I thought he played terrific, forget about the goals, just the game in general. I thought he was really moving."

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Pekka Rinne is off to an even better start than last season when he finally won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's best goalie, and backup Juuse Saros ranks among the league's top 10 for victories.

With both goalies now signed to contract extensions, the Nashville Predators may have the best goalie situation both on and off the ice.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Nashville coach Peter Laviolette pulled out a bull's head to lighten the grind of the 82-game NHL regular season and challenge the Predators to get a couple of road wins.

Win both games in western Canada, and Laviolette would put on the bull's head while talking to reporters.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Ryan Johansen and the Nashville Predators are off to a solid start this season.

Scoring first has been a big key.

Johansen and P.K. Subban each had two assists, and the Predators beat the Minnesota Wild 4-2 on Monday night for their fifth win in six games.

"It's early in the season, you're trying to get your game in order," Nashville coach Peter Laviolette said. "Hopefully just continue to get better."

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Despite their power play struggles, the Predators found a way to take down their Central Division rival.

Pekka Rinne made 29 saves to lead Nashville to a 3-0 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday night.

"I'm just excited to play against these guys," Rinne said. "I think that was a good indication of how it's going to be for the rest of the season, pretty emotional and pretty physical games. There's a lot of speed and a lot of skill on the ice."

NEW YORK (AP) — Viktor Arvidsson and the Nashville Predators are happy to be headed home after sweeping a season-opening trip to New York.

Arvidsson scored twice and the reigning Presidents' Trophy-winning Predators held on for a 4-3 victory Saturday night, spoiling the Islanders' home opener.

"We got what we came here for and a great start for the season," Arvidsson said. "Excited for the home opener (against Calgary on Tuesday night), come home to Nashville and play for our fans."

NASHVILLE PREDATORS

LAST SEASON: 53-18-11, 117 points. Won first Presidents' Trophy. Lost Game 7 to Winnipeg Jets in Western Conference semifinals.

COACH: Peter Laviolette (fifth season, 17th NHL season).

ADDED: D Dan Hamhuis.

LOST: C Mike Fisher, F Scott Hartnell, D Alexei Emelin.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Once Nashville got going, the struggling New York Rangers tried to stay close. However, the Predators just pulled away.

The Predators scored twice in the second period and three times in the third to beat the Rangers 5-2 Saturday night.

New York narrowed the deficit to one twice in the final two periods, but Nashville retaliated quickly both times.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — After welcoming Filip Forsberg back to the lineup, the Predators looked like the team that made it to the Stanley Cup Final last season.

Pekka Rinne made 19 saves, Forsberg had a goal and an assist, and Nashville beat the Los Angeles Kings 5-0 on Thursday night.

Craig Smith, Calle Jarnkrok, Colton Sissons and Viktor Arvidsson also scored. Ryan Johansen had three assists.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Nashville Predators are starting to see why they signed Nick Bonino as a free agent.

Bonino had his first multi-point game since joining the team this season, and the Predators beat the Florida Panthers 4-3 on Saturday night for their fifth straight victory.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — While his teammates enjoyed some time off with a bye week, Juuse Saros kept working. It paid off for the Predators on Tuesday night.

Saros made 43 saves, Kevin Fiala scored eight minutes into the third period and Nashville beat the Vegas Golden Knights 1-0.

Nashville played its first game in a week and has won three straight. The shutout was the third of the season for Saros and the fourth of his career.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Viktor Arvidsson and the Nashville Predators cruised into their bye week with another win against the Edmonton Oilers.

Connor McDavid and company are searching for answers.

Arvidsson had a goal and an assist, helping the Predators top the Oilers 2-1 on Tuesday night.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne loves playing against the St. Louis Blues.

Calle Jarnkrok scored his second goal in two games and Rinne made 29 saves as the Predators beat the Blues 2-1 on Wednesday night, snapping their season-high three-game losing streak.

"I don't want to jinx anything," Rinne said. "I think that's a good team, one of the top teams in the league. I think we match up pretty well. It's never about me. I think as a team we did a good job in front of me."

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A fast start by Carolina spelled an early exit for Pekka Rinne.

Noah Hanifin had a goal and two assists to lead an early outburst that carried the Hurricanes past the Nashville Predators 4-1 on Thursday night.

Derek Ryan had a goal and an assist, and Elias Lindholm and Victor Rask also scored for the Hurricanes, who have won four of five. Cam Ward made 28 saves.

Kevin Fiala got the goal for Nashville, which has lost two straight.

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Juuse Saros definitely made the most of a rare start in net for Nashville.

Saros stopped 46 shots for his second career shutout and Kyle Turris had a goal and an assist as the Predators kept up their torrid pace of late with a 4-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night.

DALLAS (AP) — Nashville goalie Juuse Saros reveled in his busy night.

Saros made a career-high 43 saves and his Predators teammates scored four times in the second period to cool off the Dallas Stars 5-2 on Tuesday.

"It's always nice to see a lot of pucks and face a lot of shots," Saros said, "especially when our D is playing good in front of me and most of the shots come (from) outside."

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — With his team struggling in the third period, Predators coach Peter Laviolette called a timeout that helped swing the momentum.

Craig Smith scored twice and added an assist, and Nashville held off the Boston Bruins 5-3 on Monday night.

Kevin Fiala had a goal and an assist, and Nick Bonino and Filip Forsberg also scored for Nashville, which has won three of four. Pekka Rinne made 37 saves.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Ducks and Predators picked up right where they left off in last season's Western Conference Finals.

Kevin Fiala and Kyle Turris scored in the shootout, leading Nashville over Anaheim 3-2 on Saturday night in a physical rematch of that playoff showdown.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Playing in their own building, Filip Forsberg and the Nashville Predators are awfully dangerous on the power play.

Forsberg scored a pair of goals with the man advantage and Kyle Turris had the only goal in a shootout to lead the Predators to a 3-2 victory over the struggling Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — With a chance to contribute on special teams, Mattias Ekholm is showing just how dangerous he can be for the Nashville Predators.

Kyle Turris, Kevin Fiala and Ryan Johansen each had a goal and an assist to lead the Predators past the Winnipeg Jets 5-3 on Monday night.

Ekholm and Nick Bonino also scored, and P.K. Subban, Viktor Arvidsson and Roman Josi added two assists apiece as Nashville won for the seventh time in eight games. Pekka Rinne made 32 saves.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Craig Smith keeps putting himself in the right spot for the Nashville Predators.

Smith had a goal and an assist, Pekka Rinne made 29 saves and Nashville beat the Colorado Avalanche 5-2 on Saturday night.

Smith opened the scoring with 35 seconds remaining in the first period. With Nashville on a power play, goalie Semyon Varlamov stopped P.K. Subban's slap shot from the blue line, but Smith was in front and able to put the rebound in for his seventh goal.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — In a city that appreciates an impressive debut performance, new Nashville Predators center Kyle Turris produced quite a first game Saturday night.

Turris scored a goal, added an assist and led all Predators centers in ice time to help Nashville beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-4 in a shootout. It was the first game in a Predators uniform for Turris, who was acquired from Ottawa this week in a three-way trade.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Nashville Predators finished off a successful early-season trip with a win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Predators won a couple in California before beating Columbus 3-1, with the only loss coming in the first game of the swing at San Jose on Nov. 1.

"We did what we had to do on the road here, so it was good," Nashville coach Peter Laviolette said. "(We) walk away with six points out of eight on a road trip this early. For me, it's good to be in the spot we're in."

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A bad bounce for Nashville turned the game in Calgary's favor.

Sean Monahan and Matthew Tkachuk scored in the shootout to give the Flames a 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators on Tuesday night.

Tkachuk and Micheal Ferland scored third-period goals for the Flames, who ended a two-game losing streak.

"To come back from behind against a really good hockey club, it's a good growth game for everyone," Flames coach Glen Gulutzan said.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Samuel Girard is making a big first impression.

Girard scored his first NHL goal and added an assist to lead the Nashville Predators to a 4-1 win over the Dallas Stars on Thursday night.

The 19-year-old Girard was playing his second NHL game. The 2016 second-round pick had an assist in his debut Tuesday night.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS

LAST SEASON: 41-29-12, 94 points. Fourth in Central Division. Lost to Pittsburgh Penguins in Stanley Cup Final.

COACH: Peter Laviolette (fourth season, 16th NHL season).

ADDED: C Nick Bonino, F Scott Hartnell, D Alexei Emelin.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — General manager David Poile and coach Peter Laviolette noticed how the Predators picked defenseman Roman Josi to drive a sword into the field before the NFL's Tennessee Titans' home opener with the NHL team serving an honorary role pregame.

Seeing what Josi's teammates decided made selecting the Predators' eighth captain in franchise history that much easier.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Nashville Predators have named Dan Muse an assistant coach and have promoted Kevin McCarthy to associate head coach.

Muse will work with Predators forwards and will run the penalty kill, while McCarthy will coach defensemen and oversee the power play.

Muse had been head coach of the United States Hockey League's Chicago Steel for the last two years. The Steel won the Clark Cup two months ago.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pekka Rinne's struggles in Pittsburgh have his Nashville Predators on the brink of elimination.

The Predators are hardly blaming Rinne for their predicament.

The Penguins overwhelmed Rinne again, sending Nashville's star goaltender to the bench in Pittsburgh for a second straight game in the Stanley Cup Final. He was pulled after the first period by coach Peter Laviolette after surrendering half the goals in a 6-0 rout by the Penguins in Game 5 on Thursday night.

Nashville coach Peter Laviolette was so concerned that Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin would take criticism to heart that he wanted everyone to stop talking about it.

No shots for the Pittsburgh Penguins' top stars in Game 3 led to one of Crosby's best games of the playoffs in Game 4, even though the Predators won it to even the Stanley Cup Final.

Going into Game 5 on Thursday night, Crosby and Malkin are still in the wide-open Conn Smythe Trophy race — along with some less-familiar faces.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The instant one of the Pittsburgh Penguins passes the puck to a teammate, one of the Nashville Predators closes in, taking away any time or space to operate.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Coach Peter Laviolette has a message for Nashville fans attending Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final: Don't throw anything onto the ice.

Five catfish, several towels, a stuffed penguin and a cowboy hat hit the ice Saturday night in the Predators' 5-1 win over Pittsburgh, which pulled Nashville within 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Predators coach Peter Laviolette heard all the questions and criticism of Pekka Rinne after the goaltender's struggles in the Stanley Cup Final in Pittsburgh.

Well, Laviolette never thought of switching goalies.

A change of scenery helped Rinne and all his Nashville teammates as they dominated once again on their own ice for the biggest piece of franchise history yet.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A good night's sleep has P.K. Subban more confident than ever about what the Nashville Predators will do on their own ice trailing the Pittsburgh Penguins 0-2 in the Stanley Cup Final.

He delivered an All-Star guarantee for Saturday night.

"There's no question," Subban said Thursday. "We're going to win the next game, and then we'll move forward."

PITTSBURGH (AP) — By coach Peter Laviolette's math, the Nashville Predators have been pretty good for all but 10 minutes of the Stanley Cup Final.

It's not much. Unless you're playing the Pittsburgh Penguins. Then it's too much. Way too much.