Phillips scores rare pair, Sens beat Predators 4-3

[February 10, 2012]  OTTAWA (AP) -- Chris Phillips scored his first two goals of the season in his 1,000th NHL game, Jason Spezza also scored twice and the Ottawa Senators ended a seven-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over the Nashville Predators on Thursday night.

Phillips scored his first goal in 75 games 7:50 into the second. He lay on his back on the ice after adding a power-play goal 13:35 into the third to put Ottawa up by two. It was his fourth two-goal game -- his first since Nov. 19, 2009, in a 6-2 win over Pittsburgh. That was his 800th career game.

The veteran defenseman has spent his entire career with the Senators, who drafted him first overall in 1996. His No. 4 jersey was painted on the ice behind both goals and he was given standing ovations during a video tribute in the first period and after both goals.

Mike Fisher, who played his first game at Scotiabank Place since he was traded to Nashville last Feb. 10, was also given a standing ovation moments later when video highlights from his Senators career were shown.

Fisher's wife, singer Carrie Underwood, was on hand for the game.

Alex Auld made 24 saves for Ottawa, which went 13-2-2 prior to its recent skid.

Martin Erat scored to draw the Predators within one with 8.6 seconds remaining.

Pekka Rinne stopped 25 shots, and Gabriel Bourque and Patric Hornqvist also scored for Nashville, which has lost three of four (1-2-1).

Spezza, who assisted on Phillips' first goal, gave Ottawa its third one-goal lead at 3-2 with his second of the game -- his 22nd of the season -- on a power play 18:55 into the second.

His 21st goal 4:46 into the game put Ottawa up 1-0. The All-Star center punched the glass behind the Predators' net after firing a wrist shot past Rinne for his first goal in nine games.

Bourque drew Nashville even with his second goal at 18:46.

Phillips got another ovation after he beat Rinne from the slot to put the Senators up 2-1. It was his first goal since last Feb. 26.

Hornqvist tied it with a power-play goal at 12:40 when he tipped Ryan Suter's point shot past Auld.

NOTES: Predators RW Brian McGrattan did not dress. The former Ottawa enforcer missed his second straight game because of an upper-body injury. ... Senators G Craig Anderson didn't play for the first time in 23 games. He was pulled early in Tuesday's 3-1 loss to St. Louis after allowing two goals on four shots in his 18th straight start.

[Associated Press]

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