Stamkos scores twice as Predators beat Golden Knights

Nashville moves into final wild card spot in Western Conference with win

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:49am

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Steven Stamkos scored two goals and added an assist as the Nashville Predators defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-1 on Saturday. Ryan O'Reilly and Tyson Jost also scored for the Predators, who have won three straight games. Justus Annunen made 39 saves in goal for Nashville. Shea Theodore scored the lone goal for Vegas, who have lost three in a row.

Why it matters

The win moves the Predators into the final wild card spot in the Western Conference, passing the struggling Los Angeles Kings. The Golden Knights, meanwhile, are holding onto the final playoff spot in the Pacific Division but have struggled recently, managing just one goal in their last three games.

The details

Stamkos opened the scoring just 40 seconds into the game, ripping a one-timer from the high slot after a faceoff win by O'Reilly. Stamkos scored again on the power play early in the second period to make it 2-0. Jost's short-handed goal later in the second period extended the lead to 3-0 before Theodore got Vegas on the board with a power-play tally. O'Reilly capped the scoring with a power-play goal of his own in the second.

  • Stamkos scored 40 seconds into the first period.
  • Stamkos scored on the power play 83 seconds into the second period.
  • Jost scored a short-handed goal with 8:04 left in the second period.
  • Theodore scored a power-play goal for Vegas with 6:50 left in the second period.
  • O'Reilly scored a power-play goal with 5:07 left in the second period.

The players

Steven Stamkos

A veteran forward for the Nashville Predators who scored two goals and added an assist in the win.

Ryan O'Reilly

A forward for the Nashville Predators who had a goal and an assist in the victory.

Tyson Jost

A forward for the Nashville Predators who scored a short-handed goal in the second period.

Justus Annunen

The goaltender for the Nashville Predators who made 39 saves in the win.

Shea Theodore

A defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights who scored their lone goal in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to find ways to win games and climb the standings. This was a big two points for us.”

— Steven Stamkos

What’s next

The Predators will look to continue their push for a playoff spot when they host the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday. The Golden Knights will try to snap their three-game losing skid when they visit the Dallas Stars on Monday.

The takeaway

This win was a crucial two points for the Predators as they try to secure a playoff berth in the competitive Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights' recent struggles have them clinging to the final playoff spot in the Pacific Division, raising questions about their ability to maintain their position down the stretch.