Pekka Rinne followed up a strong relief performance last night by shutting out the Chicago Blackhawks on 22 shots as the Nashville Predators took a much-needed 2-0 victory. Joel Ward's first goal of the season (on the power play, no less) put the Preds ahead during the 2nd period, and Jerred Smithson added a shorthanded empty-net goal with just seconds remaining in the third to close out the win.

After the jump, the video highlights...

While Chicago seemed to establish some good pressure as the Predators tried to hold the lead, a turning point came midway through the final period, as Shea Weber rocked Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane twice, re-asserting Nashville's defensive presence and turning momentum in the Preds favor.

Notably, the Nashville penalty kill went 5-for-5 on the night, and with the power play going 1-for-6, the special teams continue to improve at a slow, but steady pace.

Martin Erat was a late scratch for the Preds, with what has been termed a "lower body injury"