Predators fall further behind Blue Jackets after 2-1 loss

The Predators saw a golden opportunity disappear when Columbus’ Raffi Torres scored the winning goal early in the third period as the Blue Jackets beat Nashville 2-1 Tuesday in Columbus.

A win could have moved the Preds into a tie for sixth in the Western Conference playoff chace, but instead put a four-point gap between themselves and the Jackets, who they face again on Saturday at the Sommet Center.

Though injury depleted, Nashville struck first. Midway through the first period the Preds used a quick-forming three-on-two break that culminated in Cal O’Reilly’s second goal of the season. O’Reilly slipped the puck over goalie Steve Mason’s right shoulder after taking a crisp centering pass from Steve Sullivan.

Mason stopped 21 of 22 shots to pick up the win, spoiling a solid effort from Nashville goaltender Pekka Rinne, who turned away 32 of 33. Rinne, who was the victim of a pair of defensive lapses that led to both Columbus goals stopped 16 of 17 shots in the first period, giving up a tying goal by rookie R.J. Umberger’s on a two-on-one rush.

Nashville was without veterans Martin Erat and David Legwand, then lost Antti Pihlstrom early in the contest.

Both teams quickly sailed through the first two periods. Surprisingly there was just one penalty called in the first 40 minutes (on Predators’ Ryan Suter) against two teams known to engage in some rough and tumble contests when they get together.

In the third, the Predators failed to capitalize on a three and a half minute power play opportunity (including 30 seconds of a 5-on-3 advantage) just minutes after falling behind 2-1 on Torres’ goal, his fourth in his last six games.

Nashville will not have time to lick its wounds as it moves on the Chicago Friday to face the Blackhawks before returning home on Saturday for a rematch with Columbus.

The Blue Jackets sit in sixth place in the West with 86 points, four ahead of Nashville.