The tension inside Bridgestone Arena was basically thick enough to cut with a skate blade. Honestly, if you blinked during the third period, you probably missed three different momentum shifts. We’re talking about a game that had everything: veteran milestones, a blown lead, and the kind of overtime winner that makes a Tuesday night in January feel like Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
Nashville Predators Game Score: The 4-3 Breakout Against Edmonton
Nashville walked away with a 4-3 overtime victory against the Edmonton Oilers on January 13, 2026. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. The Predators entered the night sitting 5th in the Central Division, desperately needing to prove they could handle the high-octane pressure of a Connor McDavid-led roster.
The scoreline tells you it was close. The tape tells you it was a war.
How it Went Down
Steven Stamkos got things started early. Like, really early. Just three minutes into the first period, Stamkos found the back of the net to put Nashville up 1-0. That goal wasn't just another tally on the sheet; it marked his fifth consecutive season hitting the 20-goal plateau. People were worried about his age when he signed, but the guy is still a pure sniper.
Then things got weird.
Edmonton doesn't just go away. They’re like that annoying cold that lingers for two weeks. They clawed back, and by the end of the second period, we were sitting at a 3-3 deadlock. Erik Haula had managed to sneak one in during the middle frame, set up by a sweet feed from the rookie Matthew Wood. But every time Nashville pushed, Edmonton pushed back harder.
The Captain’s Moment
The third period was a scoreless, heart-stopping grind. Juuse Saros was standing on his head, making 28 saves on the night and looking like the Vezina-caliber goalie Nashville fans have come to expect. He had to be perfect because the Oilers were relentless.
Then came overtime.
Roman Josi decided he’d seen enough. The captain took matters into his own hands, tallying his second goal of the night to seal the 4-3 win. Seeing Josi celebrate under the lights at Bridgestone is a reminder of why he’s the heart of this franchise. He’s currently leading the team in defensive scoring and, frankly, carrying a huge chunk of the emotional load for this roster.
Why This Score Actually Matters for the Playoff Race
You've got to look at the standings to realize how big this two-point haul was. Before puck drop, Nashville was 22-24-4. That’s not exactly "dominant." They were on the outside looking in, trailing the wildcard race by a razor-thin margin.
Beating a powerhouse like Edmonton in overtime provides a massive psychological boost. It moves them to 48 points on the season.
- Goaltending Stability: Saros is finally finding his rhythm again after a rocky start to 2026.
- Secondary Scoring: Getting contributions from Haula and the kids (like Wood) takes the pressure off Forsberg.
- Special Teams: The power play looked cohesive, which has been a major "if" all season long.
Honestly, the "Gold Game" energy was real. The first 10,000 fans got those special edition sunglasses, but the real gift was seeing a team that looked left for dead in December finally playing with some grit.
Injuries and Lineup Hacks
It wasn't all celebrations, though. Adam Wilsby went down with a lower-body injury and is currently day-to-day. That’s a blow to a defensive core that’s already felt a bit thin lately. If he can't go for the upcoming road trip, expect Nicolas Hague to jump back in, assuming he's over the illness that kept him out recently.
The Predators are heading into a brutal stretch. They’ve got the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night (January 16) at Ball Arena. Colorado is a different beast entirely. They’re sitting at 74 points and haven't lost in regulation at home in what feels like forever—19-0-3 on home ice.
The Road Ahead: Can They Keep It Up?
Nashville is basically in "playoff mode" three months early. Every Nashville Predators game score from here on out is a swing of the pendulum. If they can steal a point or two in Denver, the narrative changes from "maybe they'll rebuild" to "this team is dangerous."
General Manager Barry Trotz has some massive decisions to make. Do you trade veterans like Stamkos or O’Reilly for assets? Or do you ride this wave and try to make a run? With the way Josi is playing, it’s hard to tell him the season is over.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following the Preds right now, watch the "Goals Against" stat. They’re currently ranked 25th in the league for goals allowed. That has to change if they want to survive the gauntlet of the Central Division.
What to do next:
📖 Related: Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run 2025: Everything You Need to Know Before Race Day
- Watch the Friday Matchup: Check the score of the game against Colorado on January 16. It will determine if this Edmonton win was a fluke or a turning point.
- Keep an eye on the Backup: Justus Annunen needs to step up. Saros can't play every single night without wearing down before April.
- Monitor the Wilsby Injury: If the defense has to rely on AHL call-ups against Nathan MacKinnon, it’s going to be a long night in Denver.
Nashville has the talent. They have the leadership. Now they just need the consistency.