The Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks battled it out Saturday night in Smashville. Neither team is competing for a playoff spot, but both had momentum coming into this game. The Predators had won two in a row, while the Blackhawks were coming off a 4-3 overtime victory against the Utah Hockey Club the night before. Ultimately, Steven Stamkos netted his third goal (21) of the game in overtime to give the Predators a 3-2 victory.
Game Recap
Arvid Soderblom kept the Blackhawks in the game through the first period. The Predators outshot the visitors 17-6, but the goaltender had an answer for every problem he faced. The period ended 0-0. The Blackhawks came out with much more gusto at the start of the second, throwing a few shots on goal in the first two minutes. Eventually, defenseman Alex Vlasic‘s shot deflected past netminder Justus Annunen to make the score 1-0 Blackhawks.
pickle goal pickle goal pickle goal🥒🚨 pic.twitter.com/0pfuSUJ9hH
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 9, 2025
The Predators answered back, though not even one minute later, with Stamkos striking on the power play. He struck again off a turnover by Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno, giving the Predators a 2-1 lead heading into the third period. Stamkos had his natural hat trick waved off after a high stick call against the Predators.
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Connor Bedard had a glorious opportunity to tie the game at two at the start of the third period, but he over-passed the puck and whiffed on a shot. Louis Crevier snuck a shot by Annunen a few minutes later, but the goal was overturned after Nashville successfully challenged for offside. But Ilya Mikheyev would tie the game off a great pass from Ryan Donato with about seven minutes remaining. This game would need extra time.
HAT TRICK COMPLETED 🎩🎩🎩 pic.twitter.com/PcQdVrPBpJ
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) March 9, 2025
Stamkos completed his hat trick at 2:39 of overtime, catching the Blackhawks on an extended shift. His 21st goal of the season secured the extra point for the Predators.
What’s Next?
The Blackhawks will have one night off before traveling to Denver to play the Colorado Avalanche on Monday. The Predators will take two days to travel and settle into California before playing the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday. Both teams now have fewer than 20 games remaining in the season, so each will be looking for positives heading into the offseason.
