The Nashville Predators were one among the worst teams within the NHL to start the 2025-26 season. It definitely looked as if the team was going to crater and finish near the underside of the league. Nevertheless, a resurgent Steven Stamkos has helped Nashville not only leave the league cellar, but pull right into a playoff spot with just 13 games remaining.
The Predators defeated the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday night. Stamkos scored twice in the competition to assist Nashville’s effort. Because of this, Nashville now outright owns the second Wild Card spot within the West. After the sport, the longer term Hall of Famer spoke about how the Predators have managed to show things around.
“It’s just the idea in the blokes on this room, and that is all that matters,” the Predators star said, via NHL.com. “The coaching staff has a belief. The players have a belief. It is not at all times going to be pretty. We understand right now of the 12 months points are more essential than how the sport looks, but you need to construct and we now have.”
Stamkos has definitely helped rejuvenate this Predators squad. The long run Hall of Famer started off the season with six goals and nine points in the primary two months. Since December, though, he has 27 goals and 46 points. He has crossed the 30-goal mark for the tenth time in his illustrious profession, as well.
The work is simply starting for this Predators squad. Nevertheless, that is definitely a moment they may rejoice for a day or two. Nashville now must work to keep up its spot within the postseason. And that quest begins on Sunday afternoon against Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks.