Predators notch 3-2 exhibition win over Columbus

Aaron Johnson and Jaroslav Balastik scored for Columbus.

The Predators are 2-0-0 in the preseason, while the Blue Jackets evened their record at 2-2-0.

Markov scored first on a two-man advantage two minutes into the first period with a shot from the right point past the stick side of Columbus goaltender Marc Denis.

Johnson tied the game at one goal apiece with a power-play goal at 16:41 of the first period.

Denis stopped Nashville’s David Legwand on a penalty shot at 18:35 of the opening period after Legwand was hauled down from behind by Columbus’ Ben Simon on a shorthanded breakaway.

Timonen broke the 1-1 tie at 12:34 of the second period with a power-play goal.

Perreault added an insurance goal for the Predators at 1:22 in the third period.

Balastik scored an even-strength goal at 14:14 of the third period to pull the Blue Jackets within one.

Tomas Vokoun and Brian Finley shared goaltending for Nashville, with Finley getting the win. Denis stopped 30 of 33 shots for the Blue Jackets.