Predators Edge Jets 4-3 in Shootout

Ryan O'Reilly scores lone goal in shootout to lift Nashville over Winnipeg

Mar. 18, 2026 at 3:25am

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In a close NHL matchup, the Nashville Predators defeated the Winnipeg Jets 4-3 in a shootout on Tuesday night. Ryan O'Reilly scored the decisive goal in the shootout to secure the victory for the Predators, while Juuse Saros made 36 saves in regulation and the overtime period.

Why it matters

This was an important divisional matchup between two Western Conference playoff contenders. The win helps the Predators maintain their position in the standings, while the Jets missed out on an opportunity to gain ground.

The details

Matthew Wood, Filip Forsberg, and Erik Haula scored in regulation for the Predators, while Jonathan Toews forced overtime with a late goal for the Jets. Josh Morrissey and Gabriel Vilardi also scored for Winnipeg. The game was officiated by a single referee after one of the officials was unable to attend due to travel issues.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
  • Toews scored the game-tying goal with 1:01 left in the third period to force overtime.

The players

Ryan O'Reilly

The Nashville Predators forward scored the lone goal in the shootout to lift his team to victory.

Juuse Saros

The Predators' goaltender made 36 saves in regulation and overtime to keep his team in the game.

Jonathan Toews

The Winnipeg Jets forward scored the game-tying goal late in the third period to force overtime.

Connor Hellebuyck

The Jets' goaltender made 20 saves in the game but was unable to stop O'Reilly in the shootout.

Brandon Schrader

The sole referee who officiated the game after one of the officials was unable to attend due to travel issues.

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What they’re saying

“We must have left it all out on the ice tonight. Both teams played their hearts out, and it's always tough to come out on the losing end of a shootout.”

— Jonathan Toews, Winnipeg Jets Forward

“Saros was incredible for us tonight. He kept us in the game and gave us a chance to win it in the end. That's the kind of performance we need from our goaltender if we want to make a deep playoff run.”

— Ryan O'Reilly, Nashville Predators Forward

What’s next

The Predators will host the Seattle Kraken on Thursday, while the Jets will visit the Boston Bruins on the same night.

The takeaway

This hard-fought game between two Western Conference contenders showcased the high level of competition in the NHL this season. Both teams displayed grit and determination, with the Predators ultimately prevailing in the shootout to earn a crucial two points in the standings.