Predators Defeat Kraken in Surprise Goalie Start

Justus Annunen steps up with 25 saves as Nashville pulls even in wild-card race

Mar. 20, 2026 at 7:02am

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Justus Annunen, making an unscheduled start after Juuse Saros suffered an upper-body injury during the morning skate, stopped 25 shots as the Nashville Predators defeated the visiting Seattle Kraken 3-1 Thursday night. Filip Forsberg had a goal and two assists and Ryan Ufko and Ryan O'Reilly also scored for Nashville, which won its second game in a row to pull even with the Kraken in the chase for the Western Conference's second and final wild-card playoff berth.

Why it matters

This game was a critical matchup between two teams battling for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. The Predators were able to capitalize on the Kraken's goalie change and get a big win at home to pull even in the standings.

The details

Ufko opened the scoring for the Predators in the first period, but the Kraken tied it later in the frame. O'Reilly put Nashville back in front in the second period on the power play, and Forsberg sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the third. Seattle's Bobby McMann, who had been on a hot streak since being acquired from Toronto, was held off the scoresheet.

  • The Predators opened the scoring at 6:14 of the first period.
  • The Kraken tied the game at 18:40 of the first period.
  • Nashville regained the lead on the power play at 7:11 of the second period.
  • Forsberg clinched the victory with an empty-netter at 18:10 of the third period.

The players

Justus Annunen

The Predators' backup goaltender who made an unscheduled start and stopped 25 shots to lead Nashville to victory.

Filip Forsberg

The Predators' star forward who had a goal and two assists in the win.

Bobby McMann

The Kraken forward who was held off the scoresheet after a hot streak since being acquired from Toronto.

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What they’re saying

“Justus really stepped up for us tonight with Juuse out. He made some big saves and gave us a chance to win.”

— John Hynes, Predators Head Coach

What’s next

The Predators will look to build on this win and continue their push for the playoffs, while the Kraken will try to rebound on their upcoming six-game road trip.

The takeaway

This game showcased the depth and resilience of the Predators, who were able to overcome the loss of their starting goaltender and get a crucial win to pull even with the Kraken in the wild-card race. It also highlighted the importance of secondary scoring, as players like Ufko and O'Reilly stepped up to contribute in the victory.