NHL: Chicago 3, Nashville 1

NASHVILLE, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Dustin Byfuglien and Tomas Kopecky scored 28 seconds apart in the second period Thursday and Chicago gave up just 13 shots in downing Nashville 3-1.

After winning their first two games of the season, the Predators have lost four in a row. They have scored only two goals in those four contests.

Chicago has won four straight to take the early lead in the Central Division.

Byfuglien scored the game's first goal on the power play 2:21 into the second. Kopecky tallied moments later after Nashville turned the puck over behind its own net.

Cristobal Huet needed to make only 12 saves for the victory. Pekka Rinne stopped 27-of-30 shots for Nashville. Chicago's Patrick Sharp had a six-game point streak snapped.

The Predators were playing 24 hours after suffering a 6-0 loss in Dallas. Backup goaltender Dan Ellis allowed three goals on three shots to open that game before being replaced by Rinne.