Sat Oct 11 23:09:25 2008

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Arnott leads Nashville over Dallas

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Nashville, TN (Sports Network) - Jason Arnott recorded two power-play goals and added an assist, while Dan Ellis picked up his first win in a Predators sweater in Nashville's 3-1 decision over the Dallas Stars in its home opener.

Ellis, who played one game with Dallas in 2003-04, stopped 19-of-20 shots to pick up the victory for Nashville, which bounced back after dropping a 5-2 decision to St. Louis in its season-opener.

Shea Weber also scored for the hosts, while J.P. Dumont registered an assist on all three tallies.

Marty Turco was beaten three times on 32 shots to take the loss for Dallas, which fell in overtime to Columbus in its season-opener. Trevor Daley was the only Star to light to lamp in defeat.

The Stars were caught off guard just 46 seconds into the opening period, as Weber came up from his defensive position to knock in a loose puck for a quick 1-0 Nashville lead.

Daley answered just a minute and a half later with a wrister form the left circle, but that was the last time Ellis was beaten.

A scrum in front of Turco resulted in a pair of fighting majors from both squads, including a game misconduct for Nashville's Dan Hamhuis and a double- game misconduct for Dallas' Sean Avery.

On the ensuing power play for Nashville, Dumont controlled the puck behind the net and fed Arnott in front for the goal, and the veteran stuffed it home with 9:06 remaining in the opening period.

Dallas shot itself in the foot in the comeback effort with numerous turnovers and untimely penalties, particularly Steve Ott's high-sticking at the 15:52 mark of the third.

With the extra man, Arnott was the recipient of another crisp pass in front of the net from Dumont, and the former Star all but sealed the win with his second goal.

Game Notes

The Stars don't play again until they host Nashville on Wednesday, while The Preds play in Chicago before the rematch...Nashville took three of four versus the Stars a year ago...Arnott played for Dallas from 2001-06.