A poor first period doomed the Carolina Hurricanes in their first game of the season, as despite a late flurry they were not able to overcome an early two goal deficit in their 2-1 loss to the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, last Wednesday.

The team was sluggish out of the gate, as they gave up two goals in the first period and were outshot 14-5. With Jordan Staal off for high sticking 57 seconds into the game, Nashville scored on the powerplay as defenseman Ryan Ellis’ point shot was tipped by forward Craig Smith and hit off the skate of Hurricanes defenseman Ron Hainsey and in. Nashville would make it two as forward Viktor Arvidsson redirected defenseman Seth Jones’ wrister from the point with about two minutes left in the period.

In addition to surrendering two goals, the Canes also lost newly acquired defenseman James Wisniewski, as he suffered what appeared to be a leg injury about four minutes in. Wisniewski was in noticeable pain on the ice, and did not return to the game after being helped to the locker room.

After the first the Canes definitely played a much better game, outshooting Nashville 9-8 in the second period and 12-3 in the third, but Nashville goalie Pekka Rinne was up to the task as he held the Canes scoreless until late in the final frame. With goalie Cam Ward off for an extra attacker, captain Eric Staal’s pass from the corner redirected past Rinne with a minute and 40 seconds remaining.

The goal looked as though it may have been tipped in by Victor Rask, but has been officially ruled as Staal’s. The Canes then had a golden opportunity to tie the game, but a pass bounced just over Jeff Skinner’s stick with a wide open net. The team was not able to find the equalizer and fell 2-1.

Ward had a solid game, stopping 23 of 25 Predators shots and making several good saves. Carolina lost the special teams battle in this one, going 0-3 on the powerplay as Nashville went 1-3.