As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy wrapped up, Nashville Predators fans had plenty to cheer about with four of their own showcasing their talents on the world stage. Juuse Saros, Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi, and Erik Haula each represented their countries with pride, but it was Finland's squad that managed to bring home a bronze medal.
In a thrilling finale, Team USA clinched the gold in an overtime classic against Team Canada. But let's dive into how the Predators' stars fared during the tournament.
No. 4: Filip Forsberg
Despite his undeniable talent, Filip Forsberg found himself in an unexpected role for Team Sweden. Used as an extra forward, Forsberg wasn’t given the opportunity to shine on one of the top lines, a puzzling decision considering his 24 goals this season.
He managed a goal and an assist, with his lone goal contributing to a 5-2 victory over Italy. Sweden's journey ended in a heart-wrenching 2-1 overtime loss to Team USA in the quarterfinals.
While Forsberg might have hoped for more ice time, Predators fans can look forward to him being well-rested for the NHL season's final push.
No. 3: Roman Josi
Roman Josi, a cornerstone of the Predators' defense, nearly led Team Switzerland to an historic finish. Switzerland, aiming for their first medal since 1948, came close but fell short in the quarterfinals against Finland. Josi's two goals and two assists were crucial in Switzerland's strong showing, and his performance is sure to boost his confidence as he returns to Nashville.
No. 2: Erik Haula
Erik Haula emerged as one of the standout performers for Team Finland. Known for his role in Nashville's bottom six, Haula exceeded expectations with three goals and three assists, earning a plus-4 rating.
His two-goal performance against Slovakia helped Finland secure the bronze medal. Haula's impressive showing is a promising sign for the Predators as they head into the latter part of the season.
No. 1: Juuse Saros
Juuse Saros takes top honors among the Predators' Olympians. His performance in goal was nothing short of spectacular, allowing just 10 goals on 167 shots, resulting in a .941 save percentage and a 1.66 goals-against average.
Saros was instrumental in keeping Finland competitive, particularly in a nail-biting semifinal against Canada. Despite a narrow loss, Saros bounced back to help Finland clinch bronze with a dominant performance against Slovakia.
His resilience and skill were on full display, cementing his reputation as one of the game's elite goaltenders.
Predators’ Upcoming Schedule
As the Olympic dust settles, the Predators are gearing up for a busy schedule. They face off against the Chicago Blackhawks at home on February 26, then hit the road to battle the Dallas Stars on February 28.
Returning home, they’ll take on the Detroit Red Wings on March 2. The action continues with a road game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 6, following a home clash with the Boston Bruins on March 5.
With the trade deadline looming on March 6 and a new general manager soon to arrive, the Predators could see some significant changes. Fans will be eager to see how the team shapes up for the remainder of the season.