Nashville Predators 5, Winnipeg Jets 3: 3 things we learned

Let's be honest — a late November matchup between the Predators and Winnipeg Jets usually doesn't inspire much fanfare.

Monday's game, however, presented some intrigue. The Jets' quietly impressive start has put them in second place in the Central Division, a gap that the Predators closed to one point after a 5-3 victory, Nashville's seventh in nine November games. 

Here are three observations from Monday's victory: 

The offensive force awakens

The Predators' red-hot offense largely has been responsible for their recent success. They averaged 2.45 goals per game in October, 28th in the 31-team NHL, according to FOX Sports Tennessee. 

No such problem has existed this month, with Nashville scoring at least five goals Monday for the fifth time in eight games. The Predators slumbered through most of the first period, but overwhelmed the Jets in the middle period with three goals and a 19-7 shot advantage.

Nashville's offense Monday derived from its principal sources. Captain Roman Josi, defenseman P.K. Subban, centers Ryan Johansen and Kyle Turris as well as forwards Viktor Arvidsson and Kevin Fiala each had two-point games. 

The most noteworthy contribution belonged to Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm, who extended his goal-scoring streak to four games in the second period, the longest by a defenseman in franchise history. 

Fiala starting to flourish

Fiala has discovered a groove. His pinning backhand goal on a delayed Winnipeg penalty in the first period was the first of multiple displays of his skill Monday. 

The 21-year-old's offensive resurgence has coincided with the arrival of Turris, who has centered his line. In the five games since Turris made his Predators debut, Fiala has six points and is averaging three shots per game. 

Fiala, who has recorded consecutive multi-point outings for the first time in his 79-game NHL career, is skating and attacking with confidence.

Late-game hiccups

The Predators' recent lead protection hasn't been as formidable as their offensive production. After Nashville allowed two late goals Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche, players vowed to tighten up. But the Predators continued to play loose with the lead Monday, giving up two third-period goals to the Jets off turnovers. 

Predators coach Peter Laviolette said that "our game management has to be better."

Reach Adam Vingan at avingan@tennessean.com and on Twitter @AdamVingan.