Smith's goals lead Predators over Canucks, 5-1

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Predators coach Peter Laviolette admitted he has put backup goaltender Carter Hutton in some difficult situations this season.

The situation Hutton faced in Tuesday's 5-1 win over Vancouver at Bridgestone Arena might have been the toughest, but it was not Laviolette's choice.

Hutton entered a 2-1 game with 17:50 remaining after starter Pekka Rinne crashed into the back wall while bracing to make a save and left the game with a lower-body injury. He is listed as day-to-day.

"We were under siege in the first three or four minutes, but it was a good opportunity for him to get in the game and see some shots," Laviolette said. "He works his tail off every day, and it was good to see him go in there and shut that door for us. He played terrific."

The Predators won four games in a row for the second time this season, and moved into sole possession of first place atop the overall NHL standings with the victory.

Rinne, who leads the NHL with 29 wins this season, slid feet first into the boards with Chris Higgins and was attended to briefly by a trainer on the ice. Rinne skated off to the locker room moments later.

Hutton, 0-3-2 in his starts this season, stepped in and stopped all 10 shots he faced.

"You don't want to see anybody get hurt, especially not Pekka," Hutton said. "He's been our MVP all year, and it's obviously been tough. From there, my job is to just get ready to go, and get in there and do my thing."

The Predators poured on the goals after Hutton went in, with Filip Forsberg, Mike Fisher and Colin Wilson scoring four minutes apart in the final seven minutes.

"Excited for him," Wilson said of Hutton's performance. "He's played great in all of his games. We just haven't played great in front of him. I was excited to see the way we rallied behind him and he made a bunch of great saves."

The Predators jumped out to a 2-0 lead on goals from Craig Smith and Wilson in the first period. Alex Edler beat Rinne to cut the lead to 2-1 in the second period.

Eric Stromgren writes for the Tennessean, a Gannett property.