In a stunning display of resilience, the Nashville Predators clawed back from a three-goal deficit to secure a 5-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night. Steven Stamkos was the star of the show, netting his third goal of the match with just over two minutes remaining, completing a remarkable turnaround for Nashville.
Dramatic Comeback Fueled by Stamkos
The Predators found themselves trailing 3-0 early in the contest, but a determined effort saw them rally back to claim the win. Stamkos ignited the comeback with his second power-play goal at 9:53 of the third period, which brought the score to 3-3. The captain, Ryan O’Reilly, played a crucial role in the equaliser, retrieving the puck behind the goal line and setting up Stamkos, who deftly batted it past Senators’ goalie James Reimer.
O’Reilly also assisted on the tying goal, showcasing his playmaking skills when he delivered a precise cross-crease pass to Stamkos during another power play opportunity, awarded after Tim Stutzle was penalised for cross-checking. This victory marked a significant turnaround for the Predators, who had been struggling with a three-game losing streak.
Milestone for Josi
Celebrating a personal milestone, Predators captain Roman Josi marked his 1,000th NHL game with an impactful performance, including an assist on Stamkos’s tying goal. Josi joins an elite group of players as the 84th individual in NHL history to complete their first 1,000 regular-season games with a single franchise, underscoring his loyalty and dedication to the Predators.
Stamkos’s hat trick was his second of the season and the 16th of his illustrious career, bringing his season total to an impressive 24 goals. In addition to Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault contributed a goal, while Cole Smith sealed the victory with an empty-netter.
Senators’ Struggles Amid Positive Start
On the other side, the Senators had their own share of highlights, with Stephen Halliday scoring his inaugural NHL goal, followed by contributions from Ridly Greig and Dylan Cozens. Halliday’s goal came early in the first period when he pounced on a rebound, showcasing the potential of the young forward. This was a bittersweet moment as Halliday was called up from the AHL’s Belleville team just hours before the game, stepping in to fill the void left by David Perron’s absence due to surgery for a sports hernia.
Despite the loss, the Senators can take solace in having earned points in five consecutive games prior to this defeat, indicating a competitive spirit as they approach their next match against the Carolina Hurricanes at home.
Looking Ahead
Both teams are set to continue their campaigns with upcoming games that promise to be crucial for their standings. The Senators will host the Hurricanes on Saturday, looking to rebound from this setback, while the Predators aim to build on their newfound momentum against the Utah team.
Why it Matters
This victory not only highlights the incredible skill and perseverance of Steven Stamkos but also illustrates the unpredictable nature of the NHL, where a game can shift dramatically in a matter of minutes. Nashville’s ability to overcome adversity boosts their morale and could serve as a turning point in their season. As they continue to battle for playoff positioning, the Predators’ performance against Ottawa will be a pivotal moment to build upon moving forward.
