Forsberg scores twice as Predators hold off Sharks

Nashville moves into second wild-card spot with win over San Jose

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:20am

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The Nashville Predators defeated the San Jose Sharks 6-3 in a key Western Conference matchup. Filip Forsberg scored two goals in the first period to give the Predators an early lead, and they held on despite a late comeback attempt by the Sharks. Tyson Jost had a goal and two assists for Nashville, which moved into the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference standings.

Why it matters

This was an important game in the tight Western Conference playoff race, with both teams fighting for a wild-card spot. The Predators' win gives them a crucial two points and moves them ahead of the Sharks in the standings.

The details

The Predators jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period on goals by Forsberg and Steven Stamkos. The Sharks battled back to tie the game 3-3 in the third period, but Ryan O'Reilly, Erik Haula, and an empty-net goal by Jost sealed the win for Nashville. Juuse Saros made 24 saves for the Predators.

  • The game was played on April 4, 2026.
  • Forsberg scored his two goals in the first period at 8:38 and 9:54.
  • Stamkos scored a power-play goal at 16:55 of the first period to make it 3-0.
  • The Sharks scored three straight goals in the second and third periods to tie the game 3-3.
  • O'Reilly scored the go-ahead goal for the Predators at 8:28 of the third period.

The players

Filip Forsberg

A forward for the Nashville Predators who scored two goals in the first period to give his team an early lead.

Tyson Jost

A forward for the Nashville Predators who had a goal and two assists in the game.

Nick Leddy

A defenseman for the San Jose Sharks who scored a goal to cut the Predators' lead to 3-1 in the second period.

Juuse Saros

The goaltender for the Nashville Predators who made 24 saves to help his team hold on for the win.

Yaroslav Askarov

The goaltender for the San Jose Sharks who made 29 saves in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was a big game for us in the playoff race, so it was important to get off to a strong start and then hold on when they made their push.”

— Filip Forsberg, Forward, Nashville Predators

“We battled back and tied it up, but they made the plays down the stretch to get the two points. That's a tough one to swallow, but we'll regroup and get ready for the next one.”

— Nick Leddy, Defenseman, San Jose Sharks

What’s next

The Predators will look to build on this win as they continue their push for a playoff spot, while the Sharks will try to bounce back in their next game.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the tight Western Conference playoff race, with the Predators and Sharks both fighting for a wild-card spot. Nashville's early lead and ability to hold off San's late comeback attempt proved to be the difference in a crucial matchup between two postseason contenders.