Wheelers scores early in OT and Jets beat Predators 5-4

By foxsports
Published

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) Blake Wheeler scored 51 seconds into overtime and the Winnipeg Jets overcame a three-goal third-period collapse to beat the Nashville Predators 5-4 on Thursday night.

Dustin Byfuglien scored twice in regulation and Bryan Little and Nikolaj Ehlers added goals for Winnipeg. Rookie Connor Hellebuyck stopped 31 shots.

Ryan Johansen cut Nashville's deficit to 4-2 with 10:59 remaining, and after Eric Nystrom scored, James Neal tied it with 14 seconds left. Kevin Fiala scored in the first period and Pekka Rinne made 19 saves for the Predators.

Entering Thursday night, Rinne was 1-8-2 with a 3.29 goals-against average in his last 11 road starts.