Predators take 2-1 series lead, beating St. Louis Blues 3-1

Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9), of Sweden, and left wing Colin Wilson (33) celebrate after Ryan Ellis (not shown) scored against the St. Louis Blues during the first period in Game 3 of a second-round NHL hockey playoff series Sunday, April 30, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) (The Associated Press)

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Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis celebrates after scoring a goal against the St. Louis Blues during the first period in Game 3 of a second-round NHL hockey playoff series Sunday, April 30, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) (The Associated Press)

St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91), of Russia, crashes into Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35), of Finland, and defenseman Mattias Ekholm (14), of Sweden, during the first period in Game 3 of a second-round NHL hockey playoff series Sunday, April 30, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) (The Associated Press)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Cody McLeod scored the game-winner early in the second period, and the Nashville Predators beat the St. Louis Blues 3-1 Sunday to grab a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference semifinal.

Defensemen Ryan Ellis and Roman Josi also scored, and Colton Sissons added two assists. The Predators outshot St. Louis 34-23, and they now have won seven straight playoff games on home ice, including all three this postseason.

Alexander Steen scored for the Blues, who lost for the first time on the road this postseason.

Blues goalie Jake Allen kept St. Louis in this game before being pulled by coach Mike Yeo for the extra attacker with more than 4 minutes remaining and took his timeout with 1:25 left.

Nashville goalie Pekka Rinne finished with 22 saves, including a flurry of stops to preserve the win.

Game 3 is Tuesday night.