What's Happening?
The Nashville Predators triumphed over the Colorado Avalanche in a thrilling 4-3 shootout victory at Bridgestone Arena. The game, held on December 9, 2025, saw Cale Makar of the Avalanche tie the game with
a power-play goal just eight seconds before the end of the third period. Despite this late equalizer, the Predators emerged victorious in the shootout, with Ryan O'Reilly scoring the decisive goal. Juuse Saros, the Predators' goaltender, was instrumental in the win, making 39 saves throughout the game and the shootout. The Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon contributed two assists in his 900th NHL game, but it wasn't enough to secure a win for his team.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for the Nashville Predators as it marks their third win in four games, indicating a positive trend in their performance. The win also highlights the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure, particularly in shootout scenarios. For the Colorado Avalanche, the game underscores the challenges they face despite having a strong season, as they have now earned a point in 20 of their last 21 games. The match also had implications for player safety, as Avalanche goalie Scott Wedgewood was pulled from the game for a concussion evaluation after a collision, emphasizing the ongoing concerns about player health in the NHL.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, the Nashville Predators will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for their upcoming games. The team will focus on maintaining their fast-paced, connected style of play, which has proven successful. For the Colorado Avalanche, the focus will be on regrouping and addressing any defensive lapses that allowed the Predators to capitalize in the shootout. Additionally, the team will monitor Scott Wedgewood's health closely, as his status could impact their goaltending strategy in future games.
