The Nashville Predators lost a defenseman Saturday. More importantly, they failed to find their offense.
Nashville went scoreless for the second time in as many days in a 4-0 loss to the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena.
It was the fifth time this season (20 games) the Predators failed to score a goal but the first time it happened in back-to-back games. They were shut out just three times in all of 2011-12 (82 games).
Goalie Jimmy Howard made 33 saves in his first shutout of the season. Niklas Kronwall had a goal and two assists and Pavel Datsyuk had two assists for the Red Wings, who snapped a five-game losing streak.
Nashville started with seven defensemen but played the entire third period without Hal Gill, who sustained a lower body injury.
The Predators had a 33-27 edge in shots and some prime scoring chances but failed to convert. Craig Smith led all players on both teams with six shots, one short of his career-high, and Rich Clune added four.
Nashville’s most recent goal was Shea Weber’s game-winner in overtime Tuesday against the Red Wings. Friday it lost 1-0 at home to the Vancouver Canucks.
The Predators will conclude a stretch of five games in eight days Monday when they host the Dallas Stars (7 p.m., Bridgestone Arena). The Stars are one of three Western Conference teams Nashville has yet to face this season.