NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — Filip Forsberg scored the only goal in a shootout to lift the Nashville Predators over the New York Islanders 2-1 on Thursday night at Bridgestone Arena. Simon Holmstrom gave New York a lead in the second period, but Ryan O’Reilly answered for Nashville with a short-handed goal later in the frame. Juuse Saros made 30 saves for the Predators before stopping all three Islanders attempts in the tiebreaker. Ilya Sorokin stopped 32 shots for New York. The Islanders fell to 24-20 overall, while Nashville improved to 20-23. Attendance was 17,159.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — Filip Forsberg scored the only goal in a shootout to lift the Nashville Predators to a 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders on Thursday night at Bridgestone Arena. In a tightly contested defensive struggle witnessed by 17,159 fans, regulation and overtime solved nothing, setting the stage for Forsberg’s decisive move in the tiebreaker. Nashville goaltender Juuse Saros, who made 30 saves through 65 minutes, denied all three Islanders attempts in the shootout to secure the extra point. The game’s offensive narrative was confined to the second period. New York broke the scoreless deadlock at 4:14 of the middle frame when Simon Holmstrom converted his 10th goal of the season. The Swedish winger finished a play set up by defenseman Scott Mayfield and star center Mathew Barzal, beating Saros with a wrist shot. Nashville answered late in the period with a crucial short-handed tally. With the Predators killing a penalty, Ryan O’Reilly intercepted a pass in the neutral zone, drove into the Islanders’ end, and snapped a wrist shot past goaltender David Rittich with just 1:41 remaining before the second intermission. The unassisted effort was O’Reilly’s 13th goal of the campaign. That goal energized the home side and ultimately forced overtime. The third period and the five-minute extra session were characterized by cautious play and stellar goaltending at both ends. Saros was particularly sharp under pressure, while Rittich, who stopped 34 shots for New York, was equal to the task, including a key save on a Steven Stamkos shot that hit the post in overtime. The shootout belonged to Nashville. After Saros stopped Barzal, Forsberg deked and lifted a backhand shot over Rittich’s pad. Saros then sealed the win with saves on Jonathan Drouin and Holmstrom. The victory improved Nashville’s record to 20-23, providing a positive start to a critical homestand. The Islanders, who entered the game on the heels of a 9-0 rout of New Jersey, saw a two-game win streak snapped, falling to 24-20. The result defied pregame projections, as statistical models favored the Islanders, and the combined score fell well under the expected total. O’Reilly’s goal and assist on the night marked him as the game’s most impactful player. Holmstrom, with his goal and two shots, led the Islanders’ attack. Defensively, Mayfield’s assist and two hits were notable for New York, while Nashville captain Roman Josi logged a game-high four shots on goal in over 28 minutes of ice time. The game was a physical, grinding affair with both teams combining for nine penalties. The Islanders’ checking line, led by Casey Cizikas, was active early, but Nashville’s persistent forecheck, exemplified by forwards like Cole Smith and Michael McCarron, eventually wore down New York’s structure and created the turnover that led to the tying goal. The Islanders continue a challenging road trip Saturday in Minnesota, while the Predators remain home to host the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night.

Islanders, Predators Meet in Nashville on Thursday NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — The New York Islanders, riding a wave of momentum from an overtime win, will look to continue their push up the standings when they visit the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday night. The Islanders (23-19) are coming off a 4-3 overtime victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. Center Mathew Barzal was instrumental in that win, notching two assists to extend his recent point streak. Barzal has recorded points in four of his last six games, tallying one goal and six assists over that span. His playmaking will be central to New York’s attack as they begin a critical six-game road trip. Nashville (19-22) also enters on a high note after a 4-3 road win over the Calgary Flames on Saturday, powered by a four-point night from forward Michael Bunting. The veteran winger scored a goal and added three assists in the victory, highlighting a surge in production. Bunting has been a consistent offensive force for the Predators, registering points in five of his last seven contests with three goals and four assists. The matchup pits two teams heading in opposite directions in the standings. The Islanders have secured points in seven of their last ten games (5-3-2), solidifying their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Predators, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency, going 5-5-0 in their last ten as they try to climb back into the Western Conference wild-card picture. New York’s recent success has been bolstered by contributions throughout the lineup. Defenseman Adam Pelech scored the game-winner against Toronto, while Tony DeAngelo added an assist. They will need similar depth against a Nashville team that has shown scoring punch, having netted four or more goals in four of its last six victories. The Predators will rely on their home-ice advantage, where they are 11-9-3 this season, to counter the Islanders’ strong road form (12-8-2). Goaltending and special teams will be key factors, as both clubs seek to build momentum before the All-Star break. Thursday’s contest is the first of two meetings between the teams this season. Following this game, the Islanders continue their road swing in Minnesota on Saturday. Nashville remains at home to host the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday.