Predators Dominate Flames 5-1 Behind Stellar Goaltending, Breakout Performances
On a night when the Nashville Predators needed a statement win, they delivered in emphatic fashion. A 5-1 rout of the Calgary Flames wasn’t just one of Nashville’s most complete performances of the season - it was a glimpse of what this team can look like when the pieces click.
Juuse Saros was locked in between the pipes, stopping 27 of 28 shots and coming within a whisper of his first shutout of the season. And while the Flames had their moments, it was the Predators who controlled the game where it mattered most - on the scoreboard and in the details.
A Night of Firsts and Emotion
The scoring opened with a milestone moment. Just over six minutes into the first period, rookie winger Reid Schaefer lit the lamp for the first time in his NHL career.
The 2022 first-round pick, who made his debut just days ago, buried a close-range finish off a setup from fellow prospect Fedor Svechkov. It was a big-time moment for the young forward and an early jolt for a Predators team that’s been looking for more bottom-six production.
But the real fireworks came in the second period.
Nashville erupted for three goals in a span of just over 10 minutes, turning a tight game into a runaway. Steven Stamkos got it started, finishing off a textbook two-on-one rush at 5:04.
Then came Jonathan Marchessault, who found twine from the left point at 14:25. Less than 90 seconds later, Ozzy Wiesblatt added his first NHL goal - a gritty finish from in tight that came with a poignant tribute.
After scoring, Wiesblatt pointed skyward in honor of his late brother Orca, who tragically passed away in September. It was a powerful moment in a game full of them.
Third Period: Closing the Door
Nashville didn’t let off the gas in the third. Just under three minutes in, Michael Bunting cleaned up a rebound to make it 5-0, capping off a strong night for the Predators’ fourth line.
That trio - Bunting, Wiesblatt, and Tyson Jost - was buzzing all game, combining for two goals and an assist. It’s the kind of depth production that can swing games and, over time, seasons.
Calgary did manage to spoil Saros’ shutout bid midway through the period. After a roughing penalty on Nicolas Hague gave the Flames a power play, Morgan Frost cashed in from the slot off a slick feed from Nazem Kadri. It was a well-executed play, but by then, the game was already out of reach.
Key Contributors and Turning Points
This was a team win, no question, but a few performances stood out.
- Juuse Saros: The Finnish netminder was dialed in, stopping 27 of 28 shots and controlling rebounds with authority. He looked like the Saros we’ve come to expect - calm, composed, and capable of stealing games.
- Roman Josi’s Return: The captain was back in the lineup after missing time with an upper-body injury, and his impact was immediate.
He logged an assist and helped stabilize the top pairing alongside Nicolas Hague, who chipped in two assists of his own.
- Fourth Line Surge: Bunting, Jost, and Wiesblatt brought energy, physicality, and timely offense. That line was a problem for Calgary all night, and their ability to tilt the ice in limited minutes gave Nashville a major edge.
Interestingly, the Flames actually led in several statistical categories - more shot attempts (29-28), more faceoff wins (33 to 23), and more hits (24 to 18). But hockey’s not always about quantity. Nashville made their chances count, especially in the second period when they turned the game on its head.
In net, Calgary struggled. Backup Devin Cooley got the start but was pulled after allowing four goals on 16 shots. Dustin Wolf came in and steadied things somewhat, stopping 11 of 12, but the damage was already done.
Where Things Stand
With the win, Nashville and Calgary now sit tied at the bottom of the Western Conference standings - both six points back of the final wild card spot, currently held by Seattle. But momentum matters, and right now, the Predators are trending in the right direction. They’ve won three of their last four and are starting to look more cohesive, especially with Josi back in the mix.
The Flames, meanwhile, are heading the opposite way. After a brief three-game win streak, they’ve now dropped three of their last four and are searching for answers on both ends of the ice.
What’s Next
The Predators hit the road for a tough two-game swing, facing the Florida Panthers on Dec. 4 and the Carolina Hurricanes on Dec. 6 before returning home for a Dec. 9 matchup with the Colorado Avalanche.
Calgary, meanwhile, gets a chance to regroup at home. They’ll open a four-game homestand with matchups against the Minnesota Wild (Dec.
4), Utah Mammoth (Dec. 6), Buffalo Sabres (Dec. 8), and Detroit Red Wings (Dec.
10).
If Tuesday night was any indication, the Predators may be starting to find their identity - and if they can build on this, they could make things interesting in the West.