How Forsberg's Game Winner vs. Detroit Defined Predators' Success: 'That Was Our Identity'

In a tightly contested matchup between the Nashville Predators and the Detroit Red Wings that had all the makings of a playoff game, it was evident at the start of the third period that just one goal would be enough for either team to come out on top.

Fortunately for the Predators, their leading goal scorer was there to answer the bell. Filip Forsberg's 39th goal of the season broke a scoreless tie late in the third period, earning the Predators their fifth consecutive win and their 17th straight game with a point .

The goal came with 5:14 left in regulation after a nearly-30-second frenzy in the Detroit zone. After three straight shots on goal from Ryan O'Reilly, Gustav Nyquist and Roman Josi, Forsberg fought for a rebound in front of the Red Wings' net and even appeared at one point to push the puck over the goal line; the officials signaled that there was no goal, however, and the Predators maintained control of the puck play resumed.

Seconds later, Forsberg got the puck a second time and ripped a wrist shot from the right face-off circle, beating Detroit goaltender Alex Lyon glove-side.

"That's what I thought, too," Forsberg said about possibly scoring earlier in the shift. "I thought so for sure, but I guess the other shot was a little nicer, so I'll take it.”

The tenacity shown by the Predators, who rank fourth in the NHL in offensive zone time this season (43.6%), illustrated in just one shift how they've been able to find so much success over their 17-game point streak.

“I think that was our identity,” Predators head coach Andrew Brunette said. “It started in the third period where we were relentless, and we weren't going to give you an edge. We’re going to take away as much time and space [as possible]. We wanted the puck a little bit more, and that proved that point, that whole shift. If you watch it, it was pretty impressive.”