In an exciting matchup on December 31, 2025, the Nashville Predators triumphed over the Vegas Golden Knights with a score of 4-2, marking a significant milestone in Steven Stamkos's illustrious career as he netted his 600th goal. This victory was especially sweet for the Predators, who are currently navigating through a challenging seven-game road trip and have now secured 12 wins out of their last 17 games, including three victories in their first four encounters on this trip.
This win lifted the Predators' record to 18 wins, 17 losses, and 4 overtime losses, bringing them above the .500 mark for the first time since October 16, just five games into the season when their record stood at 2-1-2. On the flip side, the Golden Knights faced a disappointing loss, marking their sixth defeat in seven games, and concluded their recent four-game homestand with a less than favorable record of 1 win, 2 losses, and 1 overtime loss.
During this game, Stamkos, now in his 18th season, scored his 18th goal of the current season and notably his ninth against the Golden Knights since they joined the NHL in 2017. His game-tying goal was part of a remarkable turnaround for the Predators, as they unleashed a three-goal barrage within five minutes to recover from an early 2-0 deficit and take a commanding 3-2 lead.
Other contributors to Nashville’s scoring included Nick Perbix, Reid Schaefer, and Michael Bunting, all of whom found the back of the net. Additionally, Justus Annunen delivered a strong performance in goal, making 29 saves throughout the match.
A notable moment for former Golden Knight Erik Haula, who is on the brink of his 800th career game—just two games away—was during Bunting’s goal where he registered his 200th career assist. Meanwhile, Mark Stone, who received an honor earlier in the day by being selected for Canada’s Olympic roster, contributed to the Golden Knights by scoring his 10th goal of the season, while Ben Hutton added his sixth goal. Akira Schmid, tasked with stopping the puck for the Knights, made 15 saves before being substituted late in the third period to bring on an extra skater.
Adding to the Olympic excitement, Mitch Marner and Shea Theodore, both forwards for the Golden Knights, were also named to the Canadian team for the upcoming games. All three players had previously represented Canada in the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, showcasing the depth of talent within the team.
As the season continues, the Predators are set to face off against the Seattle Kraken on Thursday, while the Golden Knights will head to St. Louis for their next game on Friday. Stay tuned for more thrilling hockey action!
