Predators Rally Past Sharks, Extend Winning Streak

Nashville scores late to defeat San Jose 6-3 in key playoff race matchup

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:37am

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The Nashville Predators overcame a late Sharks comeback to defeat San Jose 6-3 on Saturday night. Filip Forsberg scored twice in the first period to give Nashville an early 3-0 lead, but the Sharks rallied with two late goals in the second period and an early third-period tally to tie the game. Ryan O'Reilly broke the tie midway through the third, and Erik Haula and Tyson Jost added late goals to seal the win for the Predators.

Why it matters

The victory moves the Predators into a tie for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference playoff race, while the loss keeps the Sharks just outside the playoff picture. Nashville has now won 15 straight games against San Jose, their longest winning streak ever against one opponent.

The details

The Predators jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period on goals from Filip Forsberg and Steven Stamkos. But the Sharks fought back, scoring two late goals in the second period and tying the game early in the third. Ryan O'Reilly's go-ahead goal midway through the third period proved to be the game-winner, as Nashville added two late insurance goals to secure the victory.

  • The Predators jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period.
  • The Sharks scored two late goals in the second period to make it 3-2.
  • Alexander Wennberg scored early in the third period to tie the game at 3-3.
  • Ryan O'Reilly scored the go-ahead goal for Nashville midway through the third period.
  • Erik Haula and Tyson Jost added late goals for the Predators.

The players

Ryan O'Reilly

The Predators forward scored the game-winning goal midway through the third period.

Filip Forsberg

The Predators forward scored two goals in the first period to give Nashville an early lead.

Steven Stamkos

The Predators forward scored his 620th career goal in the first period.

Macklin Celebrini

The Sharks forward scored his 41st goal of the season.

Juuse Saros

The Predators goaltender made 24 saves to earn the win.

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What they’re saying

“We knew they were going to push back, but we weathered the storm and found a way to get the two points.”

— Ryan O'Reilly, Predators forward

“It's tough to come back from that early deficit, but I'm proud of the way the guys battled to get us back in the game.”

— Alexander Wennberg, Sharks forward

What’s next

The Predators will look to continue their playoff push when they visit the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night. The Sharks will host the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday as they try to keep their postseason hopes alive.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Predators' dominance over the Sharks, as Nashville extended its winning streak to 15 straight against San Jose. However, the Sharks' late comeback effort showed they are still fighting for a playoff spot, setting up an exciting finish to the season in the Western Conference wild-card race.