The Edmonton Oilers suffered their second shutout loss in three games at the hands of a backup goaltender on Thursday night.

The Oilers outshot the Predators 46-23, but could not beat Jusse Saros, who tied a franchise record for saves in the 4-0 Nashville victory. The Oilers exploded for seven goals in a win over the Columbus Blue Jackets Tuesday, but were also blanked two days prior to that despite throwing 41 shots on Toronto Maple Leafs backup Curtis McElhinney.

"We're doing the right things," Oilers forward Pat Maroon said Thursday. "Every line is buzzing around, we're all having chemistry… It's weird. We score six goals [Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens], then the next game we score zero. Then the next game we score seven, and the next game, zero.

"I don't know if God is punishing us right now? I don't have any words.

"I know the fans are frustrated, and the media are looking for answers. But the guys, the last four games that's the best hockey we've played in a long time."

Predators head coach Peter Laviolette credited Saros with getting the Predators their 20th win of the season.

"He was very important, very good," he said. "In the first period when you get outshot 22-4 and you walk into the room with the game still tied 0-0, you are thankful that your goalie was ready to play and was able to give you and opportunity to win a hockey game. Without him playing the way he did in the first period, we don't have a chance."

Oilers goaltender Laurent Brossoit struggled on Thursday, allowing all four goals on nine shots in the second period. Starter Cam Talbot skated once again on Thursday and could make his return to the crease Saturday against the Minnesota Wild.