Predators comeback falls short as Nashville loses 5-4 in Atlanta

Thanks to two goals by Josh Gratton (yes, that Josh Gratton who had a short stint with the Preds), the Atlanta Thrashers beat Nashville by a score of 5-4 tonight, ending the Predators' unbeaten streak during this pre-season. The announced attendance was a mere 5,017 at Phillips Arena. At one point midway through the third period the Preds trailed 5-2, but the team fought back to make a game of it before the end. (Game summary)

Martin Erat scored twice for the Preds, his last coming with 1:40 left in the game, but Nashville couldn't muster the tying goal. Mike Santorelli and Peter Olvecky provided the other Predators goals. David Legwand and Patric Hornqvist each posted two assists, while Shea Weber and Ryan Suter were each +3 on the evening. In the final moments of the game, Weber put two shots on net and Suter one, as the comeback fell just short.

In goal, Pekka Rinne and Dan Ellis split the duty, with Rinne giving up 3 goals and Ellis 2.

In their next pre-season action, Nashville hosts Carolina at the Sommet Center on Saturday.

UPDATE: We have video highlights...