Johansson's 3–2 goal came in front of the net midway through the second period.
It was only the Swedish defender's third goal of the season.
Earlier in the period, Lucas Raymond had tied the game with a beautiful finish off a brilliant pass from his American teammate Alex DeBrincat. DeBrincat also sealed the match 4–2 with an empty-net goal.
Filip Forsberg scored one of Nashville's two goals earlier in the game.
With the victory, Detroit continues to challenge the teams at the top of the Eastern Conference. Carolina tops the table; Detroit is fourth.
Nashville is eleventh in the Western Conference.
