Nashville Predators Stage Remarkable Comeback Against Ottawa Senators
In an exhilarating matchup on Thursday night, the Nashville Predators staged a remarkable comeback against the Ottawa Senators, ultimately securing a 5-3 victory at home. The triumph was particularly special for Steven Stamkos, who netted a hat trick, including the decisive goal with just over two minutes remaining in the game.
Key Moments of the Game
Stamkos brought the score to 3-3 with a power-play goal at the 9:53 mark of the third period. He received an assist from Ryan O’Reilly, who cleverly maneuvered behind the net to dish the puck to Stamkos, allowing him to swat it past Senators’ goalie James Reimer. This pivotal moment not only highlighted Stamkos’s scoring prowess but also showcased O’Reilly’s critical role in the Predators’ attack, especially after a cross-check from Tim Stutzle earned Nashville another power play.
Roman Josi, the captain of the Predators and celebrating a milestone 1,000th game in the NHL, contributed an assist on the tying goal, marking a significant personal achievement. He became the 84th player in history to reach this milestone with a single franchise, solidifying his legacy in the league.
Stamkos’s Stellar Performance
This impressive performance by Stamkos – his second hat trick this season and the 16th of his career – raised his goal total for the season to 24. In addition to Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault contributed to the scoreline, and Cole Smith sealed the game with an empty-net goal. Predators’ goaltender Juuse Saros was solid in net, making 23 saves to help snap Nashville’s three-game losing streak.
Senators’ Highlights
For the Senators, the game featured moments of promise as well. Stephen Halliday, recalled from the AHL earlier in the day due to David Perron’s absence following surgery, scored his first NHL goal in just his 19th game. Ridly Greig and Dylan Cozens rounded out Ottawa’s scoring, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win as the team ended a three-game trip. Reimer had a busy night in goal, stopping 21 shots during his third consecutive start since joining the Senators.
Looking Ahead
With this win, Nashville looks to build momentum as they prepare to host Utah on Saturday. Meanwhile, Ottawa returns home to face Carolina on the same night, launching into a four-game homestand.
