Predators, behind Austin Watson’s hat trick, top Ducks
Austin Watson had a difficult time remembering the last time he scored a hat trick.
“American Hockey League, maybe?” Watson said. “A couple of years now.”
Watson, known as a grinder who is strong on the penalty kill, recorded his first career NHL hat trick Sunday night as host Nashville defeated the Anaheim Ducks 5-2.
Watson became the fourth Predators player to record a hat trick this season.
“It’s always nice to score goals and contribute,” said Watson, who was suspended for the first 18 games this season for a domestic violence incident.
Watson scored the game’s first goal in the opening period, added his first career power-play goal in the second period and his empty-netter with 1:06 completed his hat trick.