The St. Louis Blues fell 3-1 to the Nashville Predators on Saturday afternoon at Bridgestone Arena, extending their losing streak to three games (0-2-1) and dropping to 7-8-2 on the season.
St. Louis took an early lead on the power play at 13:07 of the first period. Philip Broberg sent the puck to the top of the left circle from a Robert Thomas feed, where Jimmy Snuggerud beat Juuse Saros with a snap shot. It was Snuggerud’s ninth goal of the season, continuing his strong start as the team’s leading scorer.
Nashville answered quickly. Steven Stamkos tied the game at 16:07, also on the power play, finishing a rebound from the left side after Joel Hofer was screened. The marker was the 248th power-play goal of Stamkos’ career, moving him into sole possession of fifth place on the NHL’s all-time list ahead of Luc Robitaille.
The Predators took the lead for good early in the second period. At 9:02, Ross Colton collected a pass in the high slot from Jack Drury and beat Hofer through a screen by Adam Edstrom. Roman Josi picked up his second assist of the afternoon on the play. Colton has now scored in three consecutive games.
St. Louis generated more pressure in the third period and outshot Nashville 11-7 in the final frame, but Saros turned aside the bulk of the Blues’ chances. With the net empty in the closing minutes, Nick Perbix sealed the result with an empty-net goal assisted by Stamkos with 1:29 remaining.
Hofer finished with 26 saves on 28 shots. Saros stopped 25 of 26 for the Predators, who improved to 8-4-5 and extended their winning streak to four games. Nashville also debuted its Hometown Remix uniforms for the matinee.
The Blues return home to face the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday. The Predators travel to Los Angeles.
