Nashvillle Predators down Winnipeg Jets to even series

The Nashville Predators defeated the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 on Thursday at Bell-MTS Place to tie their second round series 2-2.

The loss marks the first time in the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs where the Winnipeg Jets have lost on home ice.

Nashville opened the scoring late in the first period. Ryan Hartman found a loose puck after a scramble in front of the net, and fired the puck in between Tyler Myers’ legs and past the glove of Connor Hellebuyck to give the Predators a 1-0 lead.

READ MORE: Dragon and Predators owner looks forward to Game 4 against the Jets

P.K. Subban doubled Nasvhille’s lead on the power-play in the second period. His third of the playoffs was a blistering one-timer through traffic, and was assisted by Filip Forsberg and Ryan Johansen.

The third period was heavily controlled by Nashville. Winnipeg’s first shot didn’t come until eight minutes in, and the Jets had far less space in the neutral zone to operate.

Patrik Laine finally got the Jets on the board with 49 seconds remaining in the third period with a power-play goal — his third of the playoffs and first of the series — but the Predators held on to steal back home-ice advantage.

READ MORE: Winnipeg Jets rally to beat Predators in Game 3, lead series 2-1

Following the game, Laine admitted that it’s always nice to score. However, the Finnish forward wished it had came earlier in the game.

“At least that goal gave us a chance to tie the game.” Laine said. “But we just couldn’t capitalise.”

“Hopefully it gives us, and gives me, more confidence in the next game.”

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Hellebuyck finished the game with 27 saves and a .931 save percentage, and said postgame that he is already looking ahead to game 5.

“We gotta look forward here, we can’t let this affect our game, we just gotta continue building and play the way we wanna play.”

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The Jets will hold a “limited skate” Friday morning before boarding a plane for Nashville later in the day and gearing up for game 5 on Saturday.

Game 6 is set for Winnipeg on Monday. Game 7, if necessary, would be back in Nashville next Thursday.