Preds scorched by Flames

The Nashville Predators made the transition from participants to spectators, turning a 3-0 lead into a 5-3 loss last night to the Calgary Flames at the Sommet Center.

After leading 3-1 in the second period the Predators allowed four third period goals.

“We gave them the crease and we gave them the zone in the third period,” said Predators goaltender Dan Ellis. “We didn’t shoot pucks. We didn’t play like we did in the first two periods.

“It was like we were just waiting for the win as opposed to fighting for it. Once we got the lead it is like we took our foot off of the gas. They outfought us right to the end. That is why they were able to come back and bury us.”

Ellis was frustrated that the Flames scored on tips and deflections for the most part.

“I’ve got to find ways to make those saves,” said Ellis. “You have to make the saves to get a win.”

The Predators’ power play scored once on nine attempts, including an 0-4 performance in 5-3 situations.

“There were some little things we didn’t do,” said center Rich Peverley. “We didn’t get he puck out like we needed to and we didn’t make the right plays.”

Losing a game at home was also a concern for the Predators, who have only six more home games between now and Nov. 30.

The Predators had 14 shots in the first period, but failed to score. In the second, defenseman Greg Zanon and right wing Jordin Tootoo each scored a goal in the span of 19 seconds, the fourth-quickest time between goals in the Predators history.

Zanon scored his goal at 5:42 and Tootoo scored at 6:01. Center Jason Arnott scored the third goal of the period on the power play at 8:10. The three goals scored in 2:28 was the fastest three goals have been scored on home ice in the history of the franchise.

Arnott had missed the previous three games recovering from a broken finger. While it will take several months for the finger to completely heal, Arnott was back in form against Calgary, adding an assist.