Nashville Predators 2, Montreal Canadiens 1: Seth Jones Scores Sensational Winning Goal

Seth Jones made a big impression tonight on one of the NHL’s biggest stages, scoring a slick goal with 1:27 left in the third period to lift the Nashville Predators to an impressive 2-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens tonight. Storming into the slot after picking up a backhand pass from David Legwand, Jones pulled off a toe drag within a very narrow window of time & space, before beating Carey Price with a wrist shot to score the game winner.

Cue the assembled hockey media:

Seth Jones. That’s all.

— Mike Brophy (@HockeyBroph) October 20, 2013

Pretty sweet goal by NSH D Seth Jones giving Predators late lead in Montreal. A lot of poise, confidence when he jumped into the attack.

— Scott Cullen (@tsnscottcullen) October 20, 2013

I could watch Seth Jones play hockey EVERY night #kidisforreal @NHLfantasy

— Matt Sitkoff (@msitkoffNHL) October 20, 2013

Seth Jones. Wow.

— steve simmons (@simmonssteve) October 20, 2013

Seth Jones, man. That was beautiful.

— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) October 20, 2013

Puck Possessing Preds

Once again, the Predators put together another strong overall team effort against a quality team, topping Montreal handily in the various Fancy Stats. Despite strong play in five-on-five, however, and a bounty of power play opportunities created by some undisciplined play by Montreal, the Preds failed to seize control of the game in the earlier stages. Shea Weber scored a power play goal (deflected into the net by the Habs’ Josh Gorges) in the first period, and Montreal answered back in the second on a Brendan Gallagher goal which followed an extended scrum in front of the Nashville net.

Early in the third it looked like Lars Eller had scored to make it 2-1, but after some deliberation and video review, it was overturned. While it was a confusing sequence, we did get some clarification:

NHL acknowledges that official pointed goal, but that four officials huddled later to determine puck didn’t cross line. Video inconclusive.

— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) October 20, 2013

In the end, a strong effort in goal by Pekka Rinne (28 saves on 29 shots) set up the dramatic finish. Montreal had some strong pressure in the Nashville end before Colin Wilson and David Legwand took the play into the offensive zone, where Leggy set up Jones for that highlight-worthy game-winner.

Random Observations

• A tough break came for Montreal when an unanticipated collision between Eric Nystrom and Danny Briere knocked Briere from the game. Those unexpected hits are often the most dangerous, since the player isn’t prepared for the impact.
• Viktor Stalberg may not be scoring yet, but he had a monster defensive shift late in the second period leading to a Tripping call on Rene Bourque (I initially credited it to Nystrom on Twitter).
• The Preds missed Mike Fisher due to an Upper Body injury, so Nick Spaling got back in the lineup.
• This is Nashville’s first road win since March 12 of last season, against the Dallas Stars.

Boxscore – Game Summary – Event Summary – Fancy Stats

Behold the glory…

More from On the Forecheck:

• Saturday’s Dump & Chase: Off to The Great White North
• Nashville Predators @ Montreal Canadiens Preview: Bleu, Blanc, Rouge et Or
• Friday’s Dump & Chase: Predators Finish Homestand 3-1-1
• Los Angeles Kings 2, Nashville Predators 1: Anze Kopitar Scores Winner In the Shootout
• The Smashville Experience: How Do You Like It This Season?/

Who is your Predator of the Game?