Quick Read
- Steven Stamkos scored a hat trick, including the game-winning goal, for the Nashville Predators.
- The Predators overcame a 3-0 deficit to defeat the Ottawa Senators 5-3.
- Stamkos’s first two goals were on the power play, tying and then surpassing Marcel Dionne for 9th all-time in NHL power-play goals.
- This was Stamkos’s 16th career hat trick, ranking him third among active NHL players.
- Juuse Saros made 23 saves to earn his 20th win of the season for Nashville.
In a thrilling display of resilience and individual brilliance, Steven Stamkos netted a hat trick, culminating in the decisive goal, to propel the Nashville Predators to an improbable 5-3 comeback victory over the Ottawa Senators on January 22, 2026, at Bridgestone Arena. The veteran forward’s monumental performance not only secured a critical win for the Predators, who trailed 3-0 in the second period, but also marked several significant milestones in his illustrious career, further cementing his legacy as one of the National Hockey League’s most potent scorers.
The evening began on a somber note for the Predators, who were looking to rebound from recent struggles. The Senators seized control early, with Stephen Halliday opening the scoring with his first NHL goal at the 6:03 mark of the first period. Ridly Greig quickly doubled Ottawa’s lead, speeding past the Predators’ defense and beating Juuse Saros. The momentum continued to favor the visitors into the second period when Dylan Cozens tipped in a goal, extending Ottawa’s advantage to a commanding 3-0. For Nashville, it appeared to be a continuation of a challenging stretch, marked by what The Tennessean described as ‘nothing going right’ and a potential ‘third straight loss.’
Stamkos Ignites the Comeback with Power-Play Prowess
As the second period waned, the Predators desperately needed a spark, and Steven Stamkos delivered. On a power play, Stamkos received a pass in the slot, converting it for his 22nd goal of the season. The play was a testament to Nashville’s offensive skill, initiated by Filip Forsberg’s dazzling dangle around a defenseman and Luke Evangelista’s precise dish. This goal not only put Nashville on the board but also tied Stamkos with Marcel Dionne for ninth all-time in NHL history for power-play goals, a testament to his consistent efficiency with the man advantage.
The third period saw the Predators continue their surge. Jonathan Marchessault narrowed the deficit to one goal, making it 3-2 with 11 minutes remaining, injecting renewed hope into the Bridgestone Arena crowd. The stage was then set for Stamkos to equalize. Capitalizing on another power-play opportunity, Ryan O’Reilly delivered a perfect pass across the goal crease, allowing Stamkos to score his second goal of the game, tying the score at 3-3. This goal not only leveled the playing field but also pushed Stamkos past Dionne into sole possession of ninth place on the all-time power-play goals list, as highlighted by The Hockey News.
A Game-Winning Hat Trick and Career Milestones
With the game seemingly destined for overtime, Stamkos struck again. With just 1:13 left in regulation, he pounced on a close rebound in front of Senators’ goaltender James Reimer, completing his hat trick and securing the dramatic comeback win for Nashville. The arena erupted as Stamkos’s third goal sealed the victory, a moment The Hockey News vividly described as the veteran sniper ‘blow[ing] the roof off Bridgestone Arena.’ Cole Smith later added an empty-net goal to cement the 5-3 final score.
Beyond the immediate thrill of the victory, Stamkos’s performance resonated with significant historical implications. This hat trick marked the 16th of his distinguished career, placing him in rare company among active players, trailing only Alex Ovechkin and David Pastrnak. Furthermore, it was the 14th different franchise against whom he has recorded a three-goal game, a feat that ranks him second-most among active skaters. By the night’s end, Stamkos had also logged his 104th career multi-goal game, reminding everyone of his enduring capability as one of the league’s most dangerous finishers, particularly when the stakes are highest.
Predators’ Season Trajectory and Upcoming Challenges
The victory improved the Nashville Predators’ record to 24-22-4, accumulating 52 points and providing a much-needed morale boost. Goaltender Juuse Saros played a crucial role, making 23 saves to earn his 20th win of the season, a steadying presence amidst the early onslaught. The team’s resilience, especially after falling behind by three goals, showcased a fighting spirit that will be vital as they navigate the remainder of their schedule. The Predators had also honored captain Roman Josi prior to the game, with all 20 players wearing No. 59 in warmups to commemorate his 1,000th NHL game, adding another layer of significance to the night’s events.
Looking ahead, the Predators were set to wrap up their homestand by hosting the Utah Mammoth on January 24, while the Senators (23-20-7, 53 points) would face the Carolina Hurricanes on the same day. This comeback win against the Senators serves as a powerful testament to the team’s potential when their star players, particularly Steven Stamkos, perform at their peak. The team’s ability to overcome a significant deficit highlights their capacity to compete in tight games, a crucial attribute for any team aiming for a deep playoff run. The individual milestones achieved by Stamkos during this game underscore his continued elite status and his invaluable contribution to the Predators’ competitive aspirations.
Steven Stamkos’s hat trick against the Ottawa Senators was not merely a game-winning performance; it was a definitive statement of his enduring elite skill and clutch ability, demonstrating his capacity to single-handedly alter the course of a game and achieve significant career milestones even in the twilight of his career.