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Anders Lindback helps Predators withstand late Lightning surge to take NHL points lead

Nashville Predators v Chicago Blackhawks

CHICAGO - OCTOBER 13: of the Chicago Blackhawks of the Nashville Predators at the United Center on October 13, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Predators defeated the Blackhawks 3-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Jonathan Daniel

The Nashville Predators are a team known for their ability to scrap their way to the playoffs, but if they can keep this up, they might just give their division rivals in Detroit and other favorites a serious run for the Presidents Trophy. Despite nearly coughing up a 4-1 lead late in the third period, rookie goalie Anders Lindback made 42 saves as the Predators remained undefeated in regulation in this young season.

Nashville 4, Tampa Bay 3

When Colin Wilson gave the Predators a 4-1 lead a little more than 14 minutes into the third period, few would have guessed that he earned the game winner. That’s exactly what happened, though, as the Lightning stormed back with two goals in less than a minute to bring the game to 4-3.

Lindback should be given credit for remaining calm and keeping Nashville in the game, though, as the Lightning put 19 more shots (45-26) on Lindback than the Predators sent at their former teammate Dan Ellis.

Lightning forward Sean Bergenheim scored a beauty of a top-shelf goal to begin the scoring before the Predators produced four consecutive goals from Shea Weber, Sergei Kostitsyn, Cody Franson and Wilson. Martin St. Louis and Adam Hall scored those two rapid Tampa Bay tallies.

Nashville kept Steve Stamkos from adding to his eight goals this season, but couldn’t keep him off the scoreboard altogether. Stamkos assisted on that St. Louis goal to continue his points streak (four goals and five assists for nine points in four games).

This win maintains Nashville’s status as the only NHL team that is still undefeated in regulation and gives them a league-high 13 points on the season (although the Detroit Red Wings would take the division, conference and league leads if they win their next game). Meanwhile, the Lightning now have a small lead (11 to 10 points) atop the Southeast Division in front of the Washington Capitals.

Both teams showed why they’re among the strongest teams in the league at this point in the 2010-11 season, but the Predators ended up getting the “W.”