(SportsNetwork.com) - The Nashville Predators will try to win consecutive games for the first time since the end of January when they visit the Buffalo Sabres for Tuesday's clash at First Niagara Center.
The Predators had lost four straight heading into Monday's game in Ottawa, but were able to record a 4-3 overtime win against the Senators. Another win on Tuesday against the lowly Sabres would give Nashville two victories in a row for the first time since Jan. 28-31 when it downed Winnipeg and New Jersey.
Although the Predators were able to record the win when rookie defenseman Seth Jones scored with 1:11 remaining in OT, the club did blow a 3-0 lead in the third period to allow Ottawa to force the extra session. The Senators put forth a spirited third-period comeback, scoring three times in the final 12:05 of regulation.
"They played hard in the third and it was obviously nice getting that one in overtime," said Nashville forward Mike Fisher.
On the game-ending goal, Nashville defenseman Ryan Ellis had a breakaway. Robin Lehner stopped Ellis' shot, but Jones pushed the rebound under the goalie's right pad.
Nick Spaling combined with Craig Smith and Eric Nystrom for Nashville's three- goal second period. The output matched the total amount of goals the Predators scored in their previous four games, all regulation losses.
Pekka Rinne made 34 saves in his first win in his fourth start since returning from a hip infection. Backup Carter Hutton will get the start on Tuesday.
Nashville, which is eight points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference, is playing the middle part of a three-game road trip tonight in Buffalo.
The Preds are 12-12-6 as the guest this season and will complete their swing Friday in Chicago.
After beginning their post-Olympics schedule on a three-game winning streak, the Sabres have lost three of their last four games. Buffalo, which is last in the NHL with 46 points, has dropped two in a row and managed to score a total of two goals during the slide.
Buffalo was handed a 2-0 loss at Florida on Friday and then dropped Sunday's home test against Chicago by a 2-1 score. Jonathan Toews scored to a break a third-period tie and help the defending Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks edge the Sabres at First Niagara Center.
Drew Stafford lit the lamp for the Sabres, who had their home winning streak snapped at three games. Jhonas Enroth was stellar in defeat with 29 saves.
"There's some good signs. When you're rebuilding you look for certain things," Sabres interim head coach Ted Nolan said. "Jhonas is one of those guys."
Buffalo is 12-18-5 as the home team this season. After Tuesday's home tilt, the Sabres will play seven of their next eight games on the road, where the club is just 7-19-3.
The Sabres and Predators haven't met since Buffalo recorded a 3-2 regulation win in Nashville on Dec. 3. 2011. Buffalo has claimed two of three and four of the last six encounters overall, but the Preds have won the last two meetings at First Niagara Center.
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