Coming off a statement win in Colorado, the Nashville Predators are looking to cap off a tough back-to-back road trip with another big performance tonight in Las Vegas. The puck drops at 9 p.m. CT at T-Mobile Arena, where the Preds will face a red-hot Golden Knights team riding a six-game win streak.
This marks the second of three matchups between these two Western Conference contenders this season. Nashville took the first meeting on New Year’s Eve in Vegas, and they’ll be aiming for a repeat performance tonight.
O’Reilly’s Hat Trick Sends a Message
Friday night’s 5-2 win over the Avalanche wasn’t just another two points-it was a confidence builder. Ryan O’Reilly led the charge with his seventh career hat trick, helping hand Colorado its first regulation home loss of the season. That’s no small feat, especially in a building where the Avs have been nearly untouchable.
O’Reilly spoke postgame about what the win meant for the group: “I think it should give us that belief,” he said. “When we're all pulling the rope together… we can compete with anyone.” That kind of chemistry and cohesion is exactly what Nashville’s been working toward, and it showed in every zone Friday night.
Execution Meets Belief
Associate Head Coach Luke Richardson echoed that sentiment, praising the team’s full-ice effort. “Right from our goaltending out, it's just been superb,” Richardson said.
“We have trust in each other… and our special teams are starting to really kick in.” That trust and execution are what’s making Nashville a tough out right now.
The group has clearly bought into the coaching staff’s system, and it’s translating into results.
The Preds also got contributions up and down the lineup. Michael Bunting, Filip Forsberg, Steven Stamkos, and Michael McCarron all found the back of the net against Colorado.
And Juuse Saros? He was locked in, stopping 39 shots and frustrating the Avalanche all night long.
Where the Numbers Stand
O’Reilly continues to pace the team in scoring with 43 points (16 goals, 27 assists), while Forsberg is right behind him at 35 points (17g-18a). Stamkos, who’s brought both leadership and firepower since joining the squad, has 21 goals and 33 points on the year. Saros improved to 19-15-3 with the win, while backup Justus Annunen holds a 4-5-1 record.
Roster Updates
Ahead of tonight’s game, the Predators recalled defenseman Andreas Englund from Milwaukee, though he didn’t dress against Colorado. Adam Wilsby remains day-to-day with a lower-body injury, while Nic Hague returned to the lineup after missing Tuesday’s game due to illness.
Vegas on a Roll
The Golden Knights aren’t exactly limping into this one. Vegas has rattled off six straight wins, including a wild 6-5 overtime thriller against Toronto on Thursday.
Jack Eichel is leading the charge with 55 points (17g-38a), followed by Mitch Marner (11g-38a) and Mark Stone (17g-29a). Between the pipes, Adin Hill is unbeaten in regulation at 2-0-2 over six appearances, while Carter Hart sits at 5-3-3.
Vegas has firepower, depth, and momentum. But Nashville’s coming in with belief-and maybe even a little swagger-after knocking off the league’s best.
How to Watch and Listen
Coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. CT with the *Predators LIVE!
- pregame show on FanDuel Sports Network South, hosted by Lyndsay Rowley. Willy Daunic and Chris Mason will have the call on TV, while Max Herz and Hal Gill will handle the radio broadcast on 102.5 The Game and the Predators Radio Network.
Final Word
This is the kind of game that tells you something about a team. Nashville showed they can hang with the league’s elite on Friday.
Now, the question is-can they do it again on short rest, in a hostile environment, against a surging Vegas squad? If Friday was any indication, the Predators are ready for the challenge.