Predators Defeat Jets in Shootout After Late Comeback

Saros makes 36 saves as Nashville rallies from late deficit to win in extra session

Mar. 18, 2026 at 3:06am

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The Nashville Predators overcame a late third-period deficit, tying the game with just over a minute remaining, and then prevailed in a shootout to defeat the Winnipeg Jets 4-3. Goaltender Juuse Saros made 36 saves for the Predators, who finished their five-game road trip with a 2-2-1 record. The Jets had taken a 3-2 lead in the third period before Nashville's Jonathan Toews scored the equalizer with Hellebuyck pulled for an extra attacker.

Why it matters

This was an important comeback win for the Predators, who are fighting to stay in the playoff race in the Western Conference. The game featured high drama with a late tying goal and a shootout finish, showcasing the intensity of the Central Division rivalry between Nashville and Winnipeg.

The details

Filip Forsberg had a goal and an assist for the Predators, while Matthew Wood and Erik Haula also scored. For the Jets, Gabriel Vilardi had a goal and an assist, and Kyle Connor recorded three assists. Winnipeg goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 20 saves in the losing effort.

  • Haula opened the scoring for Nashville at 13:02 of the first period.
  • Morrissey tied the game at 1-1 for Winnipeg at 19:20 of the first period.
  • Vilardi gave the Jets a 2-1 lead at 5:09 of the second period.
  • Forsberg evened the score at 2-2 for the Predators at 10:48 of the second period.
  • Wood put Nashville back in front 3-2 at 14:01 of the third period.
  • Toews tied the game at 3-3 for Winnipeg with 1:01 remaining in regulation.

The players

Juuse Saros

The Predators' starting goaltender who made 36 saves to help Nashville earn the victory.

Filip Forsberg

The Predators' forward who scored a goal and added an assist in the game.

Gabriel Vilardi

The Jets' forward who scored a goal and recorded an assist in the losing effort.

Kyle Connor

The Jets' forward who recorded three assists in the game.

Connor Hellebuyck

The Jets' starting goaltender who made 20 saves in the game.

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What they’re saying

“We showed a lot of fight to come back and get that point. It was a hard-fought game against a divisional rival.”

— John Hynes, Predators Head Coach

“We let that one slip away in the end. We had our chances but couldn't close it out.”

— Rick Bowness, Jets Head Coach

What’s next

The Predators will return home to host the Dallas Stars on Monday, March 20th, while the Jets will travel to face the Colorado Avalanche on the same night.

The takeaway

This was a thrilling Central Division matchup that showcased the competitive spirit and resiliency of both the Predators and Jets. Nashville's ability to rally late and win in the shootout demonstrated their determination to remain in the playoff hunt, while Winnipeg's late collapse highlighted their need to close out games more effectively down the stretch.