Predators' Stamkos Scores 40th Goal in Playoff Push

36-year-old veteran leads Nashville's late-season turnaround with remarkable scoring surge.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Nashville Predators and Minnesota Wild, with sharp, overlapping planes of blue, gold, and red capturing the dynamic action on the ice.Stamkos' milestone 40th goal exemplifies the Predators' resilient playoff push.San Jose Today

Even at 36 years old, Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos has defied expectations with an impressive 40-goal season that has kept his team in the Western Conference wild card race until the final days of the regular season. After a slow start, Stamkos has led the Predators' offensive charge since December, scoring 34 goals and 54 points over the last 55 games to help the team climb back into playoff contention.

Why it matters

Stamkos' resurgence is a key reason the Predators have gone from the NHL's basement to fighting for a postseason berth, showcasing the veteran's leadership and ability to elevate his game when his team needs it most. His milestone 40th goal on Saturday was a symbolic moment in Nashville's improbable turnaround.

The details

Stamkos scored his 40th goal of the season on a wraparound shot in the first period to help the Predators beat the Minnesota Wild 2-1. After registering just 9 points, including 6 goals, over the first 25 games, Stamkos has been on a tear since December, tallying 34 goals and 54 points in 55 games to spark Nashville's climb up the standings.

  • Stamkos scored his 40th goal on April 11, 2026.
  • The Predators were in last place in the NHL with an 8-13-4 record through their first 25 games.

The players

Steven Stamkos

A 36-year-old forward for the Nashville Predators who has scored 40 goals this season, leading the team's late-season playoff push.

Andrew Brunette

The head coach of the Nashville Predators, who praised Stamkos' resilience and work ethic in bouncing back from a slow start to the season.

Matthew Wood

A rookie forward for the Nashville Predators who praised Stamkos' leadership and the veteran's positive influence on the team's younger players.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“To see him score 40 is remarkable. It kind of touches your heart because you see the work he put in and where he was early in the year. He could've easily just kind of given up and wanted out or whatever. He stayed with it, like a lot of our veteran guys, and he was rewarded for it. There's no better story than that.”

— Andrew Brunette, Head Coach, Nashville Predators

“It's no accident he is who he is and he's done what he's done. We have a lot of leadership like that in this room, and that's why we've been a resilient team all year. It's great for us young guys to watch and learn and try to develop ourselves.”

— Matthew Wood, Rookie Forward, Nashville Predators

What’s next

The Predators host the San Jose Sharks on Monday and the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday in their final two regular season games. They will need to win both games and get some outside help to clinch a wild card playoff spot.

The takeaway

Steven Stamkos' remarkable 40-goal season has been the driving force behind the Nashville Predators' improbable late-season turnaround, showcasing the veteran's leadership and ability to elevate his game when his team needs it most. His milestone achievement is a testament to his resilience and the Predators' determination to fight their way back into the playoff race.