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Arnott leads Predators past Hurricanes

Sep 23, 2007 - 3:08 AM By Jim Diamond PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) -- Jason Arnott had a goal and two assists and J.P. Dumont set up a pair of tallies to lead the Nashville Predators past the Carolina Hurricanes, 4-1, in a preseason contest Saturday night.

Vernon Fiddler added a goal and an assist to help pace the Predators in the second game of a home-and-home series. Carolina defeated Nashville, 3-0, in Raleigh on Friday night. After a scoreless first period, Arnott netted the game's first goal with 1:53 left in the second.

While behind the net, Fiddler slid a pass from his knees to Dumont along the end line. Dumont then dished to Arnott, fired a wrist shot from the right faceoff circle past goaltender John Grahame.

Justin Williams tied the game at 1-1 with a power-play goal at 9:06 of the third period for the Hurricanes.

Eric Staal's slap shot from the right point was knocked down by netminder Chris Mason, but Williams was standing unchecked in the low slot and banged home the rebound for his second goal of the preseason.

Fiddler put the Predators in front for good with a shorthanded goal at 10:42 of the third off a cross-ice assist from Arnott. Fiddler is looking to secure a spot on a line with Arnott and Dumont since their regular linemate, Steve Sullivan, will be sidelined until December due to two offseason back surgeries.

Matt Ellison and Janne Niskala added insurance goals later in the third for the Predators and Mason stopped 39 shots for his second win of the preseason.

Ray Whitney, Rod Brind'Amour and goalie Cam Ward had the night off for Carolina. Martin Erat, David Legwand and defenseman Shea Weber did not dress for the Predators, who were playing their third game in as many nights.