Golden Knights Stumble on Special Teams in Third Straight Loss

Nashville Predators capitalize on power play and shorthanded goals to defeat Vegas

Mar. 21, 2026 at 10:07pm

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The Vegas Golden Knights struggled with their special teams play, allowing two power-play goals and a shorthanded goal to the Nashville Predators in a 4-1 loss on Saturday at Bridgestone Arena. Despite controlling play at even strength, the Knights were unable to overcome their special teams woes as the Predators pulled away in the second period.

Why it matters

The Golden Knights' special teams performance has been a recurring issue this season, contributing to their recent three-game losing streak. Improving their discipline and execution on the power play and penalty kill will be crucial if they hope to turn things around and remain in playoff contention.

The details

The Predators scored twice on the power play and added a shorthanded goal in the second period to build a 3-1 lead, despite the Golden Knights controlling play at 5-on-5. Nashville's special teams success proved to be the difference as Vegas was unable to capitalize on their own power-play opportunities.

  • The game took place on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

The players

Shea Theodore

A defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights.

Nashville Predators

The NHL team that defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-1 on Saturday.

Vegas Golden Knights

The NHL team that lost 4-1 to the Nashville Predators on Saturday.

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What they’re saying

“We have to be better on special teams. That's where the game was decided tonight.”

— Shea Theodore, Golden Knights Defenseman

What’s next

The Golden Knights will look to bounce back on Monday when they host the Dallas Stars at T-Mobile Arena.

The takeaway

The Golden Knights' struggles on special teams have been a recurring issue this season, and they will need to improve their discipline and execution in those situations if they hope to turn things around and remain in playoff contention.