Predators heap misery on slumping Coyotes

Glendale: James Neal had a goal and an assist and Pekka Rinne stopped 31 shots for his NHL-best 19th win as the Nashville Predators beat slumping Arizona 5-1 on Thursday night in the Coyotes’ eighth straight home loss.

Mike Fisher, Ryan Ellis, Calle Jarnkrok and Olli Jokinen also scored in the Predators’ second consecutive win. Mike Ribeiro added his team-best 17th assist in a boo-filled return to Arizona following a summer contract buyout.

Antoine Vermette’s goal early in the first period was the only blemish for Rinne, who improved to 19-5-1.

Mike Smith had 33 saves as Arizona extended their longest home skid since the team moved from Winnipeg in 1996. The Coyotes have lost four straight overall and nine of 11.