Fedor Svechkov found the back of the net for the first time since late December, but it wasn’t enough to lift the Nashville Predators, who fell 3-1 to the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on Sunday.
Svechkov's goal came early in the third period, a slick wrist shot from the slot after receiving a pass from Nic Hague, slipping past Connor Ingram at the left post. This marked Nashville's only goal, trimming the Oilers' lead to 2-1.
Since being called up from the Milwaukee Admirals, Svechkov has been productive, tallying four points in five games. Justin Barron chipped in with a secondary assist, marking his first point since early February.
The Predators stumbled out of the gate when Leon Draisaitl struck on the power play just over three minutes into the game. Draisaitl has been a consistent thorn in Nashville's side, boasting 55 points in 32 career games against them.
Matt Savoie added to the Oilers' tally in the second period, finishing a 2-on-1 opportunity with Connor McDavid. McDavid was everywhere, racking up three assists and influencing all of Edmonton’s goals. In three matchups against Nashville this season, McDavid has amassed eight points.
Zach Hyman sealed the deal with an empty-netter in the final minute.
Discipline was an issue for Nashville, with Nick Perbix, Hague, Erik Haula, Ozzy Weisblatt, and Steven Stamkos all spending time in the penalty box.
The Predators are watching their playoff aspirations fade, now trailing the Seattle Kraken by two games for the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. They're teetering near a .500 record, a far cry from their January standing of 20-20-4. Post-Olympics, Nashville's record stands at 3-4-2, as they strive to regain their early-season form.