Preds get by Islanders 1-0

It was Jason Arnott's big night, but Pekka Rinne stole the show.

Arnott, the Nashville Predators' veteran center, played in his 1,000th career game in Saturday's 1-0 victory over the New York Islanders at the Sommet Center.

Rinne made sure Arnott celebrated the milestone with a win with 23 saves to pick up his third shutout of the month. Vernon Fiddler's goal at the 6:48 mark of the first period wound up being all the offense the Predators (16-13-3) would need. Martin Erat and Rich Peverley assisted on the goal.

Arnott had five shots as teammates kept feeding him the puck in hopes he could score in his milestone game.

"I could tell all the guys were trying extra hard," Arnott said. "We'll take the win."

The Predators continued their recent offensive struggles. They had numerous chances in both the second and third periods to extend their razor-thin advantage. In the third period the Preds outshot New York 10-5. For the game, Nashville outshot the Islanders 28-23.

"You're always worried when you're up by one goal," Fiddler said. "A couple of lines did a really good job of killing time."

Playing almost an entire game with only a one-goal edge might unnerve some goalies. But Rinne said he was comfortable defending the lead against the Islanders.

"Personally, I like it," Rinne said. "They have to chase you all game."

Predators coach Barry Trotz said he was pleased with what he called a "solid" effort. He was particularly happy with Rinne's shutout.

"Pekks was really good," Trotz said. "There were some interesting pucks, bouncing around."

He didn't seemed concerned about the scoring struggles.

"We're not scoring a whole lot right now, but we're winning hockey games."

The Predators will next travel to Florida to play the Panthers on Tuesday at 6:30. They'll be off Christmas Eve and Christmas and will play at home against the rival Detroit Red Wings on Dec. 26 at 7 p.m.

Vernon Fiddler's goal in the first period ended up being enough as the Nashville Predators got a 1-0 win over the New York Islanders at the Sommet Center on Saturday night.

Goaltender Pekka Rinne made sure Fiddler's goal was enough, getting 23 saves for his third shutout of the month.

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