Predators Extinguish Flames 2-1
With the final seconds ticking away, Nashville defenseman Jamie Heward didn't look at the scoreboard. He just looked in the eyes of his teammates.
"We looked very determined not to let this one get by us, too," Heward said as the Predators completed a 2-1 victory over the Calgary Flames Friday night for the Nashville Predators' first-ever road victory.
Heward's shot from the blue line was deflected by Patrik Kjellberg for the game-winner as the Predators (4-6-1) won for the first time on the road in five tries.
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"We've had a couple within our grasp (on the road) that we let slip away," said Nashville coach Barry Trotz. "Tonight, though, we capitalized on our opportunities."
Jarome Iginla scored for Calgary, which had its three-game unbeaten streak end. The Flames remained winless in five games at home this season (0-3-2). The Pittsburgh Penguins are the only other club not to win at home this season.
"I'm disappointed," said Calgary coach Brian Sutter. "We didn't win because we just didn't do the little things we needed to win."
Nashville goaltender Mike Dunham was solid once again, making 31 saves.
"He has kept us in every game," Heward said of Dunham. "He gives us a chance to win, even though we're almost always being outshot."
Tyler Moss made 25 saves for the Flames in his first start of the season. He replaced Ken Wregget, who was out with back spasms.
Vopat opened the scoring 1:49 into the game, firing home a low screened shot off a faceoff.
The teams traded power-play goals in the second.
Iginla took a pass from Vaeri Bure, skated out for a better angle and snapped a wrist shot past Dunham at 8:33. The goal survived a review by the video goal judge, who checked for Calgary's Cory Stillman being in the crease.
Kjellberg restored the Predators' lead seven minutes later, deflecting Heward's shot past a screened Moss.
Just before Kjellberg's goal, Dunham robbed Theoren Fleury, who had been sent in on a breakaway by defenseman Phil Housley.
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