Nashville Predators

Looking for a reason why the Predators have suddenly awakened?

Then simply watch what the top line of center Jason Arnott, left wing Steve Sullivan and right wing J.P, Dumont. After not playing together as a unit for the first 15 games of the season because of injuries, the trio has been a force since reforming as a unit.

The Predators are 5-0-0 since the line got healthy.

Arnott has scored three goals in his last two games. Dumont had one assist against Columbus Saturday night. He has five assists in his last four games. That accomplishment is a first for a Predators player.

Sullivan has a four-game points string and had an assist against Columbus.

While the top line is carrying the offensive load, as it should, coach Barry Trotz is continuing to mix and match to get the maximum out of his other lines.

The Predators will put a five-game season-high winning streak on the road Monday night when the Detroit Red Wings come to town for a national-television game on Versus.

PREDATORS 4, BLUE JACKETS 3 (SO): Character showed through as the Predators came from behind twice and then iced the game in the shootout as Michael Santorelli and David Legwand connected Saturday night. Legwand also scored his third goal of the season and added an assist.

• The Predators won in a shootout for the second straight game. It is their third shootout win of the season. They are 4-1 in overtime/shootouts this season.

• The Predators are 21-1-2 against the Blue Jackets on home ice at the Sommet Center since the 2001-02 season and have outscored the Blue Jackets 89-46 during that time. The home team won all six games in the series last season. This was the Predators' 12th consecutive home win against the Blue Jackets dating to Nov. 18, 2006.

• The Predators have scored at least one power play goal in each of their last four games and in nine of their last 13 games. They had two against Columbus, along with a shorthanded goal by center David Legwand. They have 12 power play goals in their last 13 games. They are 10-0-0 when scoring on the power play.

Quote To Note:

"Special teams were a big part of the game. The power play was really good."

Goaltenders:

Pekka Rinne, Dan Ellis

Defensemen:

Shea Weber, Ryan Suter, Francis Bouillon, Cody Franson, Kevin Klein, Dan Hamhuis

First Line:

Steve Sullivan, Jason Arnott, J.P. Dumont

Second Line:

Joel Ward, David Legwand, Jerred Smithson

Third Line:

Martin Erat, Marcel Goc, Jordin Tootoo

Fourth Line:

Patric Hornqvist, Michael Santorelli, Wade Belak

Extras

; D Alexander Sulzer, RW Andreas Thuresson

Player Notes:

• C Jason Arnott has scored seven of his nine points, including five of his six goals, on home ice.

• C Michael Santorelli has shootout goals in his last two games and has three shootout goals for the season. He is 3-for-3 on shootout attempts.

• D Alexander Sulzer has been a healthy scratch for six straight games. Coach Barry Trotz is trying to work Sulzer back into the lineup.

• C David Legwand has nine points (three goals, six assists) in his last 11 games and six points (three goals and three assists) in his last five games. He also scored the deciding goal in the shootout against Columbus.

Medical Watch:

• C Colin Wilson is still dealing with a groin problem. He has been reassigned to Milwaukee of the American Hockey League.