AULD SHUTS OUT PREDATORS AS SENS WIN FIFTH STRAIGHT

THE CANADIAN PRESS

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=267444&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Nick Foligno and Dany Heatley scored first-period goals, and Alex Auld made 24 saves to lead the Ottawa Senators to a 2-0 victory - their season-high fifth straight - over the Nashville Predators on Monday night.

The shutout was the first of the season for Auld, and sixth of his career. After losing nine consecutive decisions, Auld has won two in a row.

Since replacing Craig Hartsburg as coach on Feb. 2, Cory Clouston has guided Ottawa to a 5-1-1 record.

Foligno gave the Senators a 1-0 lead at 5:20 of the opening period.

Nashville goaltender Pekka Rinne's attempted clearing pass was intercepted inside the Predators blue-line by Mike Fisher, who carried the puck down the right side and slid a pass to Foligno in the low slot. Foligno sent a wrist shot over Rinne's glove, just inside the post, for his 10th goal of the season.

Foligno has scored four goals in his last six games, with his last two being game-winners.

Heatley doubled Ottawa's lead at the 13:56 mark of the first.

Heatley's wrist shot from the lower-left circle deflected off of Rinne's right shoulder and into the net for his 26th goal. He has scored four times in his last three games.

Notes: With an assist, Jason Spezza extended his points-scoring streak to six games. ... Ottawa's last win in Nashville was March 24, 2001. ... After winning the first four games of their five-game road trip, the Senators will go for the sweep Tuesday in Denver against the Avalanche. ... Nashville is 2-for-35 on the power play in their last 10 games.