On a chilly St. Patrick’s Day in Winnipeg, the Predators showcased more than just a bit of Irish luck.
Ryan O’Reilly and Juuse Saros were the dynamic duo in the shootout, leading the Predators to a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Jets at Canada Life Centre. Wrapping up their four-game Western road swing, Nashville snagged five out of a possible eight points, including two crucial ones in Manitoba.
Erik Haula, Filip Forsberg, and Matthew Wood found the back of the net during regulation. The game remained deadlocked after a back-and-forth overtime, setting the stage for Nashville to shine in the shootout.
“Last game of a road trip, and it's a big one for us,” said Matthew Wood. “Those games are fun to play in - close games, meaningful games. It was fun to come out with the two points.”
Predators Head Coach Andrew Brunette praised his team’s resilience. “It was a tough game.
They're a desperate team, we’re a desperate team, and I thought it was a good hockey game… Credit to the group. They stuck together, rose up to the challenges, and ‘Juice’ made the saves with ‘Factor’ scoring a beautiful goal.”
Haula opened the scoring, tipping in a Roman Josi shot on the power play. The Jets responded with Josh Morrissey leveling the score, and Gabriel Villardi giving Winnipeg their first lead early in the second.
But Nashville wasn’t done. Jonathan Marchessault set up Forsberg for a stunning one-timer, tying it up 2-2 by the end of the second period.
Then came Wood’s moment. His wrist shot put the Preds ahead 3-2 with under six minutes left, marking a milestone in his young career.
“It's exciting to watch him develop,” Brunette said of Wood. “He showed great chemistry with his line, made some solid plays, and looked very comfortable out there. We’re watching him grow before our eyes.”
Jonathan Toews had other plans, though, equalizing with a minute left to ensure both teams earned a point.
In the shootout, O’Reilly netted the lone goal while Saros shut down all three Jets attempts, securing the extra point and a gritty win for the Predators.
“I thought parts of the game we played really well offensively,” Forsberg noted. “Juice made key saves when we needed him.
Overall, it was a solid effort. It's great to get two points from these guys.”
Wood added, “It really shows the character here, especially the leaders. The young guys are eager to make a name for themselves.
Everyone loves the game and wants to keep playing. It’s a great atmosphere.”
The Predators now head home to face the Seattle Kraken, a team they recently defeated. With Seattle still just ahead in the standings, the stakes remain high.
“I’m proud of the group,” Brunette said. “It hasn’t been easy.
We’ve faced all kinds of challenges, but we’ve stuck together. Credit to the veterans for pushing the young guys and each other.
They’re hungry and want to make a statement. We’re in this fight, and I expect us to stay in it.”
Notes:
- Joakim Kemell was Nashville’s lone healthy scratch.
- Matthew Wood became the third-fastest Predator to score 15 NHL goals, following Tanner Jeannot and Filip Forsberg.
- Ryan O’Reilly scored his 16th career shootout-deciding goal, tying him with Phil Kessel and Alex Ovechkin for 10th most in NHL history.
With their road trip behind them, the Predators return to Bridgestone Arena, ready to take on the Kraken and continue their playoff push.