Predators Edge Kings in Shootout to Gain Ground in Wild-Card Race

Nashville survives late LA comeback to earn crucial extra point in tight Western Conference playoff hunt.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:22am

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the chaotic action of a hockey game, with players' figures blurred into vibrant brushstrokes.The Predators and Kings battled to the bitter end in a thrilling shootout, showcasing the high-octane drama of the NHL's wild-card playoff race.San Jose Today

The Nashville Predators defeated the Los Angeles Kings 5-4 in an eight-round shootout, with Luke Evangelista scoring the decisive goal. The Predators had built a 4-1 lead but the Kings rallied with three unanswered goals to tie the game late. The win helps Nashville gain ground in the tight Western Conference wild-card race, as they now sit tied in points with the San Jose Sharks and Kings for the second wild-card spot.

Why it matters

This game had major playoff implications, as the Predators, Kings, and Sharks are all jockeying for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. The extra point earned by Nashville in the shootout win could prove crucial in determining which team secures that final playoff berth.

The details

The Predators jumped out to a 4-1 lead, with goals from Filip Forsberg, Zachary L'Heureux, Jonathan Marchessault, and Steven Stamkos. However, the Kings stormed back with three unanswered goals from Adrian Kempe and Joel Armia to tie the game late. In the eight-round shootout, Evangelista scored the winner for Nashville to secure the extra point.

  • The game was played on April 2, 2026.
  • Nashville had lost three straight games before this win, while the Kings were 2-3-4 in their previous nine games.

The players

Luke Evangelista

The Nashville Predators forward scored the decisive goal in the eighth round of the shootout to give his team the victory.

Juuse Saros

The Predators goaltender made 29 saves in regulation and overtime to keep his team in the game.

Adrian Kempe

The Kings forward scored two goals to lead Los Angeles' comeback effort.

Darcy Kuemper

The Kings goaltender made 30 saves and stopped a penalty shot attempt but ultimately came up short in the shootout.

Steven Stamkos

The Predators forward scored a goal to help Nashville build its early lead.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was a huge game for us in the playoff race, so we're glad we were able to hang on and get the extra point.”

— Luke Evangelista, Predators Forward

What’s next

The Predators will look to build on this win as they continue their push for the playoffs, while the Kings will aim to rebound and keep pace in the wild-card race.

The takeaway

This back-and-forth battle highlighted the intensity of the Western Conference playoff race, with the Predators and Kings both fighting to secure a postseason berth. Nashville's ability to hold off LA's late comeback and win in the shootout could prove crucial in determining which team ultimately claims the final wild-card spot.