Nashville @ Dallas preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 13, 2019 ) Dallas 1, Nashville 2

It may not have been a postseason-saving victory, but the Nashville Predators knew how daunting a challenge they would face if they lost the first two games of their Western Conference first-round series at home. Instead, buoyed by a dramatic overtime victory, the Predators have renewed confidence heading into Game 3 at the Dallas Stars on Monday night.

Although Nashville dominated Game 2, the Central Division champions needed a goal from Craig Smith five minutes into the extra session to level the series at one game apiece. "It's a huge win for us. Now we've tied the series and go in their building and have an opportunity to get the lead," Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne said. "Not too high, not too low, enjoy this, but also get ready for the next couple Dallas games." The Stars were outshot by a nearly two-to-one margin in Saturday's 2-1 setback but they headed home with a mission-accomplished mindset after a 3-2 victory in the series opener. "It's a seven-game series. We came into Nashville wanting to get one, wanting to steal one on the road," Dallas center Tyler Seguin said. "We did that. We're excited to get home and play in front of our fans."

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, TVAS, Sportsnet, FS Tennessee (Nashville), FS Southwest (Dallas)

ABOUT THE PREDATORS: While Smith, who has scored at least 21 goals in five of the past six seasons, emerged as the hero with his franchise record-tying third playoff game-winner, Nashville received a huge contribution from a much less heralded player. Rocco Grimaldi, a late addition to the lineup because Brian Boyle was dealing with an illness, netted his first postseason goal and first tally since Feb. 19. "I think it's a huge booster anytime he cracks in the lineup," Rinne said. "He's always one of the bright lights out there. Again, he did a really good job.”

ABOUT THE STARS: Despite captain Jamie Benn scoring the opening goal, Dallas managed only 23 shots on net and struggled badly on the power play, failing to capitalize on any of its six chances with the extra skater. "You go 0-for 6, you get a couple of good chances. But you've got to come through," coach Jim Montgomery said. "We need to think shot first. We're all looking at the next play instead of looking to score. That's not only power play but also 5-on-5." Ben Bishop had another stellar game in net and has turned aside 70 of 74 shots through two games.

OVERTIME

1. No update was available Sunday on Predators F Wayne Simmonds, who exited Game 2 after taking a shot off the knee.

2. Stars C Roope Hintz won only 1 of 14 faceoffs as Dallas was dominated 42-29 in that department.

3. Predators F Calle Jarnkrok assisted on both goals in Game 2.

PREDICTION: Stars 2, Predators 1