Nashville Predators vs. Dallas Stars: A Memorable Matchup
In a heated matchup at Bridgestone Arena on November 8, 2025, the Nashville Predators faced off against the Dallas Stars. For defenseman Nicolas Hague, it was a memorable but somber occasion. The 26-year-old, who stands tall at 6 feet 6 inches and weighs 240 pounds, finally broke through with his first goal for the Predators in his 17th game with the team, but the achievement was somewhat muted by the overwhelming frustration of a fourth consecutive defeat, resulting in yet another one-goal loss.
Hague’s First Goal
Hague’s goal came during the second period, marking a significant milestone after spending the initial eight games of the season on injured reserve due to an upper-body injury suffered in the preseason. Prior to this game, Hague only had one assist to his name, making his goal a long-awaited moment. However, his team’s disappointing performance overshadowed the occasion as they lost to the Stars 5-4, despite a valiant effort.
The Predators started the game slowly and struggled throughout, failing to capitalize on four of their five power-play chances and committing defensive errors. Hague’s pivotal moment occurred at 4:43 in the second period, tying the game at 2-2 after he sent a shot past Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger, following a pass from teammate Nick Blankenburg. Just 27 seconds later, he assisted Ryan O’Reilly, who set up Filip Forsberg, leading to a brief 3-2 lead for the Preds before Dallas struck back.
Reflections on Team Performance
Following the game, Hague reflected on the team’s overall struggles, stating, “There are no moral victories” and emphasizing the need to improve their performance, particularly in the early stages of games.
Though he logged an impressive 22 minutes and 21 seconds of ice time, including two shots on goal and a +1 rating, it was clear that the focus needed to shift from individual accomplishments to team results.
Hague’s Journey with the Predators
Hague joined the Predators last June in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights, along with a conditional third-round pick for forward Colton Sissons and defenseman Jeremy Lauzon. He signed a lucrative four-year contract worth $22 million and expressed a desire to enhance his offensive game, having previously been more of an offensive contributor in junior hockey. With 86 points (21 goals, 65 assists) in 373 career NHL games, Hague’s potential for adding scoring depth is certainly a benefit, especially as the Predators encounter multiple tight matches throughout the season.
Despite his excellent start with Nashville, it is clear that Hague is eager for his contributions to translate into victories rather than just personal milestones, as he echoed the sentiment shared by teammate Steven Stamkos: “We gotta grow up and mature a little bit as a group.”
Looking Ahead
This match served as a stark reminder that while individual achievements like Hague’s first goal are commendable, the overarching goal for the Predators must remain focused on collective success on the ice. As the team looks ahead, it will be crucial for them to learn from these narrow defeats and find ways to convert potential into wins.
