The Nashville Predators returned from the Olympic break with a bang, delivering a crucial 4-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at Bridgestone Arena. This win snaps a brief losing streak and keeps the Preds firmly in the playoff hunt.
Ryan O’Reilly played the hero with the game-winning goal, while Filip Forsberg, Matthew Wood, and Steven Stamkos also found the back of the net. Goalie Justus Annunen was stellar between the pipes, making 21 saves to secure the team’s 27th win of the season.
The Predators set the tone early, emphasizing urgency from the start. O’Reilly acknowledged the gritty nature of the win, stating, “It wasn't the prettiest game, but we found a way. We’re in this race and need the points.”
Forsberg kicked things off by capitalizing on a Chicago turnover, netting his 25th goal of the season. However, Chicago's Connor Bedard responded, tying the game as the second period closed.
The Blackhawks briefly took the lead in the third, but Nashville struck back. Wood's power-play goal, a perfectly placed wrist shot, was pivotal. Head Coach Brunette praised Wood, noting, “He’s going to be a really important piece here.”
In a thrilling finish, Roman Josi navigated through traffic to set up O’Reilly for the go-ahead goal with just over three minutes left. Stamkos sealed the deal with an empty-netter, his 29th of the season.
Reflecting on the victory, O’Reilly said, “The intensity was there, and when you do that, you get on the right side of things and find a way to win.” Forsberg added, “This game was about who stayed with it longer.”
As the Predators prepare to face the Dallas Stars, the urgency remains high with only four games until the Trade Deadline and 24 left in the regular season.
“This group has been really tight,” Brunette commented. “They don't give up.
We know we can come back. We’ve got another tough game ahead, and we’re fighting.”
Game Notes:
- Zach L’Heureux made his season debut, contributing three hits in under 10 minutes of ice time.
- Filip Forsberg reached the 25-goal mark for the ninth time, surpassing Swedish legends Markus Naslund and Daniel Alfredsson.
- Steven Stamkos climbed to 19th on the NHL’s all-time goals list with his 611th career goal.
- Stamkos extended his home goal streak to five games, tying a franchise record shared with Forsberg, Jonathan Marchessault, and David Legwand.
Next, the Predators head to Dallas to take on the Stars before returning home to face the Red Wings. The playoff race is heating up, and Nashville is right in the thick of it.