Dallas, TX (Sports Network) – Cal O’Reilly scored the only goal and Pekka Rinne turned away 30 shots to lead Nashville to a 1-0 triumph over Dallas at American Airlines Center.
Rinne posted his 15th career shutout for the Predators, who got back into the win column after three straight overtime losses.
Keri Lehtonen was the hard luck loser, allowing the game’s only goal on 24 shots for the Stars, who have dropped two of their last three.
Dallas pulled Lehtonen with just over a minute left and never got a shot on net or generated any pressure in the Predators zone.
Shea Weber picked up a loose puck and ripped a slapper from the right point that Lehtonen stopped but O’Reilly came in from the left side unobstructed and jabbed the rebound home just 42 seconds into the contest.
Lehtonen lost for the first time in four career games against the Predators…Rinne defeated the Stars for the second time in four meetings…Texas Rangers pitcher Derek Holland, who earned the win in relief in Game 4 of the ALCS, dropped the ceremonial first puck.