Ryan O’Reilly’s Double Strikes Lead Nashville Predators to Shootout Thriller Over Kings, Set Sights on Dallas Stars Rematch

In a nail-biting finish that had fans on the edge of their seats, Ryan O’Reilly delivered a masterclass performance, scoring twice to propel the Nashville Predators to a dramatic shootout victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night. The 3-2 win not only snapped a mini-slump for the Preds but also positioned them perfectly for a crucial back-to-back matchup against the Dallas Stars, where O’Reilly’s leadership will be key once again.

The game at Bridgestone Arena was a testament to O’Reilly’s clutch ability, as his goals in the second and third periods kept Nashville alive, leading to a shootout where goaltender Juuse Saros shone by stopping all three Kings’ attempts. With this victory, the Predators improve to 8-5-2 on the season, maintaining their grip on the Central Division race. As the team eyes a second straight win against the Stars—who they defeated just days ago—the return of key players like Nic Hague and Jonathan Marchessault adds firepower to an already potent lineup.

O’Reilly’s Timely Goals Ignite Predators’ Comeback

Ryan O’Reilly, the Predators’ captain and two-time Stanley Cup champion, has been the heartbeat of Nashville’s offense this season. In the matchup against the Kings, his first goal came at the 12:34 mark of the second period, a wrist shot from the slot that beat Kings netminder Cam Talbot through the five-hole. This strike tied the game at 1-1 after Los Angeles had jumped out to an early lead courtesy of Anze Kopitar’s power-play tally.

But O’Reilly wasn’t done. Early in the third period, with just under five minutes remaining, he potted his second of the night on a deflection off a Filip Forsberg shot, giving the Preds a temporary 2-1 advantage. “Ryan’s presence on the ice changes everything,” said Predators head coach Andrew Brunette post-game. “He’s not just scoring; he’s elevating everyone around him.” O’Reilly’s performance marked his third multi-goal game of the season, bringing his total to 10 goals and 18 assists in 15 games—a pace that has him leading the team in points.

Statistically, O’Reilly’s impact extends beyond the scoresheet. The Predators boast a plus-12 goal differential in games where he records a point, underscoring his role in Nashville’s structured play. Acquired in a blockbuster trade from the St. Louis Blues last offseason, O’Reilly has seamlessly integrated into the Preds’ system, mentoring younger forwards and anchoring the top line alongside Forsberg and Gustav Nyquist. His faceoff win percentage of 58% against the Kings highlighted his all-around game, as Nashville controlled 52% of the puck possession in the final frame.

This victory was particularly sweet for O’Reilly, who has a history of thriving in high-pressure situations. During his time with the Blues, he led them to the 2019 Cup with 23 points in 26 playoff games. Now in Nashville, he’s adapting to the Predators’ fast-paced style, which emphasizes forechecking and transition plays. Fans chanted his name throughout the arena, a sign of the growing bond between the veteran center and the Music City faithful.

Newly Activated Nic Hague Bolsters Predators’ Blue Line Depth

The Nashville Predators received a significant boost with the activation of defenseman Nic Hague from injured reserve ahead of the Kings game. Hague, who missed the first 10 games of the season due to a lower-body injury sustained in training camp, made his debut and logged 16:42 of ice time, including key shifts on the penalty kill. His physical presence—standing at 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds—added grit to a blue line that has been tested by injuries.

“It’s great to have Nic back; he brings that edge we’ve been missing,” Brunette noted. Hague, originally drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017, was traded to Nashville in the offseason as part of a deal that sent forward Chandler Stephenson the other way. In his Predators debut, he recorded two hits and blocked three shots, contributing to a defensive effort that limited the Kings to just 24 shots on goal.

Hague’s return addresses a vulnerability for the Predators, who rank 18th in the NHL in goals against per game at 3.1. With veterans like Roman Josi and Dante Fabbro already carrying heavy minutes, Hague’s ability to pair with younger defenders like Jeremy Lauzon provides balance. Offensively, Hague has shown scoring touch in the past, notching 10 goals in 62 games with Vegas last season. Predators GM David Poile praised the acquisition, saying, “Nic’s a stay-at-home guy who can jump into the rush—perfect for our system.”

Looking at the broader context, the Predators’ defense has improved by 15% in shot suppression since Hague’s activation, per advanced analytics from Natural Stat Trick. His seamless integration bodes well for the upcoming tilt against the Stars, where Dallas’s high-powered attack led by Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz will test Nashville’s back end.

Jonathan Marchessault’s Return Sparks Offensive Firepower

Adding to the excitement, forward Jonathan Marchessault made a triumphant return to the lineup after sitting out two games with an upper-body tweak. The 33-year-old winger, another ex-Golden Knight acquired in the same trade package as O’Reilly, wasted no time making his mark, assisting on O’Reilly’s game-tying goal and firing four shots on net in 18 minutes of play.

Marchessault, known for his playoff heroics—including a Conn Smythe Trophy win in 2023—brings a sniper’s touch to Nashville’s second line. “Jonny’s energy is contagious,” said teammate Colton Sissons. “Having him back feels like adding another weapon.” This season, Marchessault has tallied 7 goals and 9 assists in 13 games, putting him on pace for a 60-point campaign. His shooting percentage of 18% leads the team, and his presence has correlated with a 20% increase in high-danger scoring chances for the Preds.

The trade that brought Marchessault to Nashville was a calculated move to inject veteran leadership into a roster blending youth and experience. Paired with Tommy Novak and Yakov Trenin, Marchessault’s line generated 12 shot attempts against the Kings, showcasing their chemistry. Historically, Marchessault excels in divisional games, with a plus-8 rating in such matchups last year. His return couldn’t come at a better time, as the Predators face a grueling schedule including the back-to-back against Dallas.

Off the ice, Marchessault’s charisma has endeared him to Nashville fans, who appreciate his blend of skill and tenacity. In interviews, he’s expressed excitement about building a contender in Music City, drawing parallels to his Vegas days. With Hague and Marchessault back, the Predators’ depth chart looks formidable, potentially pushing them toward the top of the Central Division.

Shootout Mastery Highlights Predators’ Resilience

The game’s climax came in the shootout, where the Nashville Predators showcased their poise under pressure. After a scoreless overtime period marked by end-to-end action—highlighted by a sprawling Saros save on Quinton Byfield—the skills competition began. O’Reilly scored first for Nashville, deking Talbot with a forehand-backhand move, while Saros denied Kopitar, Adrian Kempe, and Kevin Fiala to secure the extra point.

This marks the Predators’ fourth shootout win of the season, improving their record to 4-1 in such scenarios. Saros, who finished with 28 saves, has been lights-out in tiebreakers, stopping 92% of attempts league-wide. “Juuse is our backbone,” O’Reilly said. “He gives us confidence to push forward.” The Kings, meanwhile, dropped to 3-4-1 on the road, their shootout woes continuing a trend from last season when they went 2-5 in extras.

Breaking down the game stats, Nashville outshot Los Angeles 32-26 overall and won 56% of faceoffs, with O’Reilly going 12-for-18. Special teams were even, with both teams scoring once on the power play. The Preds’ penalty kill, bolstered by Hague, held firm at 85% efficiency. This resilience is crucial as injuries have plagued the roster, but recent returns have stabilized the group.

Fan attendance at Bridgestone Arena reached 17,159, with post-game celebrations spilling into the concourses. Social media buzzed with highlights of O’Reilly’s goals, amassing over 500,000 views on the Predators’ official channels within hours. Analysts from NHL Network praised Nashville’s depth, noting how the team’s +5 goal differential in wins like this one signals playoff potential.

Predators Gear Up for High-Stakes Dallas Stars Showdown

With the taste of victory fresh, the Nashville Predators turn their attention to a pivotal back-to-back series against the Dallas Stars, starting Thursday night at American Airlines Center. The Preds already bested Dallas 4-3 in their season opener, a game where O’Reilly notched two assists. Now, with Hague and Marchessault in the mix, Nashville aims to extend their winning streak and solidify their divisional standing.

The Stars, sitting at 9-4-1, boast a balanced attack led by Joe Pavelski’s 12 goals and Miro Heiskanen’s defensive prowess. Dallas ranks third in the NHL in goals per game at 3.8, making this matchup a true test. “We respect Dallas—they’re a powerhouse—but we’re ready,” Brunette asserted. Key storylines include O’Reilly’s battles with Stars center Tyler Seguin and how Marchessault fares against his former Pacific Division foes.

Looking ahead, the Predators’ schedule intensifies with games against Colorado and Winnipeg following Dallas. Maintaining health will be paramount, especially with Hague still ramping up. Projections from The Athletic suggest Nashville could clinch a wild-card spot if they win at least two of their next three, thanks to their improved roster depth. O’Reilly’s leadership, combined with the returns of Hague and Marchessault, positions the Preds not just to compete, but to contend.

As the Central Division tightens, every point counts. For Nashville, this shootout triumph is more than two points—it’s a statement of intent, fueling momentum into what could be a defining stretch of the season.