Evangelista Scores in 3rd Straight Game as Predators Fall to Wild in OT

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Preds
By Emma Lingan | Last updated 3/10/24

With a 4-3 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild on Sunday, the Nashville Predators extended their NHL-best point streak to 12 games (10-0-2). Rookie winger Luke Evangelista was a standout once again for Nashville with his third goal in as many games.

The Predators took a 2-1 lead at 3:36 of the second period after Mark Jankowski’s pass deflected off Tommy Novak’s skate to Evangelista alone in the slot. Evangelista’s 14th goal of the season established a career-high four-game point streak (three goals, one assist) and marked the first time the rookie has scored a goal in three straight contests.

LET HIM COOK ‍ pic.twitter.com/hDEQHCkhaI
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) March 10, 2024

Evangelista scored his first game-winning goal of the season a day earlier against the Columbus Blue Jackets. His 14 goals rank fifth among all NHL rookies this season. He also ranks sixth in assists (27) and is tied for fifth in total points (31).

Evangelista and his linemates, Mark Jankowski and Tommy Novak - who both recently signed contact extensions - have combined for 11 points (four goals, seven assissts) in their last four outings. Jankowski, who is riding a three-game point streak of his own (one goal, three assists), opened the scoring against Minnesota in addition to adding an assist on Evangelista's goal to record his first multi-point game of the season.

WHAT A SHOT pic.twitter.com/mcbpLuhYWE
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) March 10, 2024

Novak also stretched his own point streak to three games (three assists) with the primary helper on Evangelista's go-ahead goal. His 24 assists and 37 total points are the fifth-most by a Predators skater in both categories.

The Predators picked up a crucial point in the playoff standings with the OT loss. They continue their four-game road trip on March 13 with another Central Division showdown against the Winnipeg Jets.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Preds and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: