Predators edged in shootout by Oilers 2-1

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) -- Martin Gerber is filling in just fine for the inured Nikolai Khabibulin.

Gerber won his the third straight for Edmonton, stopping 34 shots in regulation and overtime before making two more saves in a shootout as the Oilers beat the Nashville Predators 2-1 Tuesday night.

"He was outstanding. He is the only reason we are talking about a win," Oilers coach Tom Renney said, adding that some goalies thrive on seeing a lot of shots.

"I think they love that. I think they would rather have 40 shots than 14. Although 30 of those coming before the third period isn't great."

The 36-year-old Gerber stopped 18 shots in the first period alone for the Oilers, who have won five of eight. Linus Omark and Jordan Eberle scored in the shootout for Edmonton.

Following Omark's goal, Gerber stopped Cody Franson for the win.

"It always feels good when you win. It always gives you confidence and it's a lot of fun," he said. "I just want to get the best out of this season and see how things go. That's all I'm really focused on right now."

Jim Vandermeer scored in the first period to tie it less than a minute after Blake Geoffrion made it 1-0 with his first career NHL goal.

Geoffrion is the first fourth-generation player in the NHL. Great-grandfather Howie Morenz, grandfather Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion -- both Hall of Famers -- and father Dan Geoffrion all played in the league, too.

Gerber also stopped two shots in the shootout, and David Legwand missed right before Omark scored in the fourth round for the Oilers. He is 3-0 this season with the Oilers while Khabibulin heals from an eye injury.

Pekka Rinne stopped 25 shots in regulation and overtime, and two more in the shootout for Nashville, which has lost six of eight.

"We wanted the two points," Nashville coach Barry Trotz said. "We need two points every night right now. We are still trailing the pack by a little bit here. Getting one is disappointing. But at the same time, one is better than nothing."

Geoffrion's goal came in his third career game. Ryan Suter sent a backhand pass from behind the net to Geoffrion on the doorstep, and he blasted it past Gerber.

"It feels unbelievable to get that first goal," Geoffrion said. "I was so happy. Hopefully there is a lot more to come. It was a great pass from Suter. It's just too bad it didn't come in a win."

The lead lasted 41 seconds.

Vandermeer stepped into a shot from the top of the faceoff circle to make it 1-1 at 13:26 of the first.

The next two periods were uneventful, and mostly penalty-free, with only five called in 40 minutes.

The most excitement to come in the second period was when 1:11 of it was tacked on before the start of the third due to a broken pane of glass.

Nashville was outshot 11-4 in the official third period.

NOTES: It was the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The teams split their two prior games. ... The Predators came into the game having won 15 of the last 18 meetings with Edmonton. ... Following Monday's trade deadline deal of forward Dustin Penner to Los Angeles, Swedish rookie Magnus Paajarvi took his spot on Edmonton's first line with Ales Hemsky and Shawn Horcoff. ... Edmonton D Richard Petiot was called up from the Oklahoma City Barons. It was his first NHL contest since suiting up for Tampa Bay in 2008-09. ... The subject of the Predators' big pre-deadline deal, Mike Fisher, has one goal and three assists in nine games since joining Nashville.

Updated March 1, 2011