The Nashville Predators had significant advantages in both shots on goal and offensive zone time but couldn’t find the back of the net Saturday at Little Caesars Arena, falling to the Detroit Red Wings by a final score of 4-3.
Goaltender Juuse Saros, who missed the Predators’ season opener Thursday against the Dallas Stars with a lower-body injury, made his 2024-25 season debut against the Red Wings and stopped 19 of 21 shots faced for a .905 save percentage.
Saros’ Red Wings counterpart, Cam Talbot, was the star of the night, withstanding an onslaught from the Predators offense and turning aside all 42 shots he faced for his 32nd career NHL shutout in his first start for Detroit.
JT Compher gave the Red Wings a 1-0 lead at 1:02 of the second period, tipping in Ben Chiarot’s shot from the high slot. Andrew Copp extended Detroit’s lead to 2-0 at 6:35 of the third period, deflecting a Lucas Raymond pass into the crease. Dylan Larkin scored into the empty net with 20 seconds remaining in regulation for the 3-0 final.
Related: Predators’ Late Comeback Effort Falls Short in Opening Night Loss to Dallas
Roman Josi led all skaters with nine shots on goal, while Filip Forsberg led all forwards with six. According to Natural Stat Trick, Nashville had the advantage in scoring chances (26-18), including high danger chances (9-8), leading to an advantage in expected goals for (2.25-1.56). However, the Predators were unable to capitalize on their chances and fell to 0-2-0 on the season after Thursday’s 4-3 loss to Dallas.
The Predators return home to kick off a four-game homestand with a Tuesday matchup against the Seattle Kraken.
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