Sports

Wilson scores tiebreaking goal late in 3rd period to lead Predators to 3-1 win over Devils

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Nashville Predators center Colin Wilson, top right, scores the go-ahead goal against New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider (35) in the third period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. Also defending are Devils' Andy Greene (6) and Jacob Josefson (16), of Sweden. The Predators won 3-1. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski) (The Associated Press)

Nashville Predators center Matt Cullen (7) scores a goal against New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider (35) in the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski) (The Associated Press)

Colin Wilson scored the tiebreaking goal on a tic-tac-toe play with 3:27 left, leading Nashville to a 3-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night for the Predators' fifth straight win.

Craig Smith added an insurance goal when he swatted a shot between Cory Schneider's legs with 2:21 left.

Matt Cullen gave Nashville a 1-0 lead in the first period before Steve Bernier's power-play goal late in the second period tied it up for New Jersey.

Pekka Rinne stopped 21 shots for the Predators, who lead the NHL with 82 points and improved to 24-3-1 at home. Rinne, 14-1-1 in his last 16 games, leads the NHL with 33 wins.

The Devils lost their fourth straight.