The 36-year-old Mason, in his third stint with the Predators, started for Pekka Rinne because of the back-to-back games. Rinne is 8-3-1 with a 2.20 goals-against average and three shutouts in 13 games against the Wild in his career. Mason, who played for Winnipeg last season, was just 6-5-2 with a 3.20 GAA entering the game.
‘‘We got it tied up and got out of the first period and then we said, ‘It’s 40 minutes. Just dig in and show our character here,'’’ Trotz said. ‘‘And we did.’’
Notes: Heatley has 14 goals and 10 assists in 18 career games against the Predators. ... Predators C Paul Gaustad was scratched for the second straight game because of an upper-body injury. ... The Predators started a franchise-tying seven-game road trip. ... The Wild went 0 for 3 on the power play and are 2 for 13 on the season.
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(This version CORRECTS APNewsNow. Predators 3, Wild 1. Corrects to Nick in 2nd paragraph. With AP Photos.)
