January 17, 2002

For being one of the NHL’s storied Original Six franchise, the fourth-year Nashville Predators gave the Toronto Maple Leafs a rude welcoming in their first visit to the Sommet Center. Greg Johnson pounded a rebound past Leafs goalie Corey Schwab just 47 seconds into overtime to defeat Toronto 3-2, keeping the Preds unbeaten against the team from the “Center of the Hockey Universe.”

"The rebound came right onto my backhand," Johnson said. "I was surprised I got as much wood on it as I did. It just bounced right. I tried to hit it as hard as I could and as high as I could."

Vladimir Orszagh and Tom Fitzgerald tallied first-period goals as well, and Mike Dunham anchored the Preds stingy defense that went on to give up just eight goals in five games.

Johnson's fourth goal in eight games continued Nashville’s dominance on home ice, improving it to 11-1-5 in its last 17 at home and 3-0-8 in overtime this season.

"The Predators have proved they are a pretty darn good team at home," Maple Leafs coach Pat Quinn said. "They come after you and have earned the record they have in this building."