Kochetkov Slams the Door: Predators Blank Whalers 3-0

[HartfordWhalers]

The Whalers arrived in Nashville hoping to snap their offensive drought but instead found themselves locked out by the Predators’ Pyotr Kochetkov, who turned aside all 30 shots en route to a 3-0 shutout victory.
Despite a quiet first period with neither team finding the scoresheet, Nashville broke the deadlock midway through the second. Kyle Okposo opened the scoring at 9:37, finishing off a clean setup from Gustav Nyquist and Jacob MacDonald. The Predators doubled their lead late in the frame when Logan Cooley converted a sharp pass from Max Pacioretty, extending the Whalers’ misery.

Braden Schneider put the finishing touch on Nashville’s dominance early in the third, firing a shot past Simeon Varlamov just 2:52 into the period.

The Whalers had their chances but couldn’t solve Kochetkov, who earned first-star honors for his flawless performance between the pipes. Meanwhile, the Whalers’ power play continued to sputter, failing to capitalize on two opportunities.

With their second shutout loss in a week, and third shutout result of the week, the Whalers will need to regroup quickly before facing their longtime rivals, the Detroit Red Wings, in a must-win matchup tomorrow. Guaranteed win night, on the road, see you there!