Nashville Predators Climb Back From NHL Basement to Playoff Spot

After ranking dead last in the NHL standings in December, the Predators have fought their way into playoff contention.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Nashville Predators, a franchise that ranked dead last in the NHL standings as late as December 8th, have clawed their way back into playoff position. Despite a recent 4-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, the Predators now sit in the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference, just three points behind the first wild-card berth with a game in hand. The team's turnaround has been led by veteran players like Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi, and Steven Stamkos, who has scored 36 goals this season.

Why it matters

The Predators' remarkable comeback highlights the unpredictable nature of the NHL season and the resilience of this franchise. After a disappointing 2024-25 campaign that saw them miss the playoffs entirely, the Predators made a splash in free agency and were expected to be among the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. Their early-season struggles raised questions, but the team has proven it has the talent and determination to fight its way back into playoff contention.

The details

The Predators' turnaround began in December, when Stamkos started to find his scoring touch after a slow start to the season. Since Dec. 9, the team has gone 24-15-5, clawing its way back from 11 points out of the last playoff spot. Other veterans like Josi and Forsberg have also stepped up, while the team's rookies have contributed 25 goals, the 10th-most in the NHL. Coach Andrew Brunette praised Stamkos' professionalism in handling the early-season struggles, saying the veteran didn't change his approach and just kept working to help the team.

  • On Dec. 8, the Predators ranked dead last in the NHL standings.
  • Since Dec. 9, the Predators have gone 24-15-5.
  • The Predators are now just three points behind the first wild-card berth with a game in hand.

The players

Filip Forsberg

A forward for the Nashville Predators who has 12 points in the team's last five games.

Steven Stamkos

A veteran forward who the Predators signed in free agency in 2024. He leads the team with 36 goals this season.

Roman Josi

The Predators' captain, who missed 12 games earlier this season due to an upper-body injury.

Jonathan Marchessault

A forward the Predators signed in free agency in 2024, who has 10 assists this month alone.

Andrew Brunette

The Predators' head coach, who praised Stamkos' professionalism in handling the team's early-season struggles.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think each and every one in this room thought we'd be here, and I think that's really all that matters. Whatever's going on outside this room is out of our control. Since the trade deadline, I think everyone's been bought in.”

— Filip Forsberg, Forward

“He's obviously been battling through a couple things during the season, but now this is what we brought him here for, you know, the end of the season. And he's showing some incredible playmaking.”

— Filip Forsberg, Forward

“I mean, I considered myself a pretty good team player. I'm not sure I would handle things the way he handled it where he just came to work every day and try to help as many people as he could. That's why you're so ecstatic he took off.”

— Andrew Brunette, Head Coach

What’s next

The Predators start a six-game road swing on Sunday, facing five teams within six points of them in the standings. Every game from here on out will be a 'playoff type game' for the team as they fight to secure a postseason berth.

The takeaway

The Predators' remarkable turnaround from the NHL basement to playoff contention showcases the resilience and determination of this franchise. After a disappointing 2024-25 season, the team's veteran leaders and young talent have come together to claw their way back into the playoff picture, proving that no deficit is too large to overcome with the right mindset and effort.