Predators Jump on Bruins Early

[ PHOTO: THE TENNESSEAN ]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Craig Smith scored two first-period goals Monday night as the Nashville Predators burst out to a four-goal lead and held off the Boston Bruins 5-3 at sold-out Bridgestone Arena. Smith potted the rebound of an Alexei Emelin point blast at 1:26 and then beat goalie Anton Khudobin at 19:42, taking Mattias Ekholm's pass and lofting a wrister for his 11th goal.