Saros leads Predators past Senators 4-1 in Ottawa

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros delivered a strong performance as the Predators defeated the Ottawa Senators 4-1 on Monday in Ottawa, spoiling the Senators' home opener. Ryan O'Reilly's third-period goal held up as the game-winner, and Jonathan Marchessault and Cole Smith added empty-net goals late to seal the victory.

Marchessault opened the scoring at 12:11 of the second period, burying a chance after an Ottawa turnover. An apparent earlier goal by Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson was overturned after a lengthy replay review. The NHL concluded that Tim Stutzle made contact with Saros and impaired the goaltender's ability to play his position, nullifying the goal. O'Reilly extended Nashville's lead in the third with 5:22 remaining when a blocked shot off Steven Stamkos bounced to him for his second of the season. Ridly Greig pulled Ottawa within one with a power-play goal with 2:03 left, but Marchessault and Smith added empty-netters in the final minute.

Saros was credited with 31 saves in the win. Linus Ullmark stopped 22 shots for Ottawa. Special teams played a notable role: Nashville went 0 for 6 on the power play while Ottawa failed to convert on its chances,...