Cole Smith’s third-period goal stood up as the game-winner, as the Nashville Predators beat the visiting Vancouver Canucks 2-1 in NHL action Thursday at Bridgestone Arena.

Ryan O’Reilly had the other goal for Nashville (3-3-2), with Juse Saros making 20 saves for the win in goal.

Max Sasson had the lone marker for Vancouver (4-4-0), while goalie Thatcher Demko had another strong game in defeat, stopping 33 of 35 Nashville shots.

The Canucks dropped the final two games of their five-game road trip, after opening with three straight victories.

The first period was scoreless. Despite having four power plays, the Canucks were outshot 12-5 during the first 20 minutes. Vancouver failed to score on a two-man advantage of more than a minute late in the period.

O’Reilly opened the scoring at 9

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