It was Roman Josi that delivered in the clutch again, scoring the game winner for a second straight game.
Tuesday, the Predators captain scored from a wide angle in overtime as the Nashville Predators defeated the Edmonton Oilers, 4-3, at Bridgestone Arena.
In addition to his game-winner, Josi had the game-tying goal in the third period, recording five points in two games. Steven Stamkos netted his 20th goal of the season and 602nd of his career, passing Jari Kurri for 21st on the all-time scoring list.
Erik Haula also found the back of the net in the second period.
Juuse Saros picked up his 18th win of the season, making 28 saves on 31 shots.
Here are three takeaways from the Predators thrilling victory over the Oilers.
Setting the tone
The last matchup between the Predators and Oilers was a 6-2 drubbing in Edmonton a week ago. Rematching on Tuesday, Nashville wanted to set the tone early.
Three seconds into the game, Michael McCarron dropped the gloves with Darnell Nurse, the fourth time the pair have squared off, dating all the way back to juniors. McCarron got the best of him and quickly swung momentum in the Predators' favor.
"He (Nurse) challenged me, and I gave him one," McCarron said. "Not only for myself, but for a team, as well, it's a huge thing to show that we're here to play, and if I back down there, maybe their whole bench thinks that we're not here ready to play."
Right after the fight, Cole Smith got a great shot on net that nearly went in, all within the first minute of the game.
A little under three minutes into the game, Michael Bunting broke out the puck and swung a pass back to Stamkos in the high slot. Unable to find the open man, Stamkos let a shot go that went into the net.
It was the first time in 11 games that the Predators had not given up the first goal of the game.
"He (McCarron) got them (Predators) going, and our team fed off of it, and we got the lead," Predators head coach Andrew Brunette said. Credit to Big Mac."
Josi's hot streak continues
It was a similar conversation to Sunday, when Josi recorded three points, including the game winner, against the Washington Capitals. Josi's presence on the team is massive, and the offensive element to his game is starting to flare up.
Josi scored off a slap shot to tie things just beyond the halfway point of the third period. Brunette went as far as saying that the goal was more important than Josi's game-winner.
"As much as the overtime goal was big for us, the goal to make it 3-3 when we lost the momentum was arguably the play of the game," Brunette said. "It was a heck of a shot."
In overtime, Ryan O'Reilly lifted the puck into the neutral zone to get it in front of a streaking Josi. Tristian Jarry poked it away from Josi, but there wasn't enough momentum on the push to move the puck as it stopped in the left part of the slot.
Brady Skeji skated to it, and instead of shooting it, he made a pass to Josi in the left corner. He let a quick shot go that found the back of the net.
"I was a little nervous and it was tight (window)," Josi said. "I was tired and I didn't want to go back again. Skjeiy made a good play and I'm glad it went in."
Limiting McDavid, Draisaitl
While the Predators were able to limit Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, they couldn't keep them off the board.
Draisaitl had three points (a goal and two assists), and now has 49 points (27 goals and 22 assists) in his last 19 games played against the Predators. McDavid had two assists, extending his point streak to 20 games.
Edmonton also executed on two of its four power plays on the night. McCarron even admitted that the Predators have struggled to figure out Edmonton's power play all season.
"They've (Edmonton) taken it to us over the past few years, as you guys know, who've been here, they seem to always play really, really good against us," McCarron said. "Their power play was awesome again tonight. We'll eventually learn how to play that power."
However, the Predators were able to shut down the Oilers' two superstars when it mattered most: 3-on-3 overtime.
With two defensemen on the ice, Nashville was able to overcome one of the biggest thorns in its side and pick up a massive win, closing out a homestand.
"The players they have are going to get their chances, but I felt like most stretches we played them well," Josi said. "McDavid had two points, so I guess that's a good night to keep him to two. It was a good win."
Up next: Nashville Predators (22-20-4, 5th Central) at Colorado Avalanche (33-4-8, 1st Central) on Friday, Jan. 16 at 8 p.m. CST at Ball Arena.
