Smith's late goal leads Predators over Jets 2-1

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Craig Smith scored at 17:58 of the third period to lead the Nashville Predators to a 2-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets Saturday night.

James Neal also scored for Nashville, winners of four of their last five.

Blake Wheeler had the lone Winnipeg goal. The Jets have lost two of three.

With time winding down in the third, Calle Jarnkrok found Smith at the bottom of the left circle, where he beat Winnipeg goaltender for his sixth goal of the season.

Wheeler scored the game's first goal at 6:57 of the second period.

After a turnover in the neutral zone by Nashville's Matt Cullen, Wheeler skated in on the right side and beat Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne with a wrist shot to the glove side.

RInne finished with 21 saves.