Predators Host Golden Knights in Crucial NHL Showdown

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Nashville Predators continue their five-game homestand tonight as they face the Vegas Golden Knights at Bridgestone Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT, marking the first of three meetings between the teams this season. The Predators aim to rebound after a 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals on Saturday, despite outshooting their opponents 33-16.

Filip Forsberg, who scored on the power play in Saturday’s game, reflected on the loss. “I think the first two periods were great,” Forsberg said. “We were playing really fast… but leaving the game up for grabs at 1-1 instead of 2-1 or 3-1 changed the third period. There are positives to take, but the result is still disappointing.”

Injury updates remain a concern for the Predators. Defenseman Adam Wilsby, recovering from an upper-body injury, participated in Monday’s practice but is still considered week-to-week. Jeremy Lauzon, Cole Smith, and Luke Evangelista are also on injured reserve, with Evangelista expected to miss approximately four weeks due to a lower-body injury.

Forsberg leads the Predators with 35 points (11 goals, 24 assists), followed by Jonathan Marchessault with 14 goals and 31 points. Roman Josi, Steven Stamkos, and Ryan O’Reilly have also been key contributors. Goaltender Juuse Saros, who took the loss against Washington, holds a 9-18-6 record this season.

Vegas enters the game fresh off a 4-1 victory over Minnesota, snapping a two-game skid. Jack Eichel leads the Golden Knights with 54 points (11 goals, 43 assists), while Mark Stone and Shea Theodore have also been standout performers. Goaltender Adin Hill boasts an 18-7-2 record this season.

The Predators hold an 8-7-3 all-time record against the Golden Knights, including a 4-3-2 record at Bridgestone Arena. Nashville has allowed one goal or fewer in three of its eight victories over Vegas.

Marchessault, a former Golden Knight, ranks as the franchise leader in goals (192), points (417), and game-winning goals (32). Stamkos has recorded 15 points in 12 career games against Vegas, while O’Reilly has tallied 25 points in 24 matchups.

Coverage for tonight’s game begins at 6:30 p.m. CT with the Predators LIVE! pregame show on FanDuel Sports Network South. Play-by-play announcer Willy Daunic, analyst Chris Mason, and rinkside reporter Kara Hammer will handle the television broadcast. The game will also be available on 102.5 The Game and the Predators Radio Network, with Spanish-language coverage on El Jefe.