Predators open post-Olympic schedule with three-goal third period, rallying past Blackhawks 4-2 at home

Nashville resumes the season with a late surge at Bridgestone Arena

The Nashville Predators returned to game action after the Winter Olympic break with a 4-2 comeback victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night, February 26, 2026, at Bridgestone Arena. Ryan O’Reilly scored the go-ahead goal with 3:16 remaining, capping a three-goal third period that turned a one-goal deficit into a regulation win in the teams’ first game back from the hiatus.

Nashville improved to 27-24-7 on the season. Goaltender Justus Annunen made 21 saves, while Chicago’s Spencer Knight stopped 22 shots. The win followed a stretch in which Nashville entered the break having dropped two straight and five of its previous seven games.

How the game unfolded: early lead, then a third-period swing

The Predators opened scoring late in the first period when Filip Forsberg finished an unassisted chance created by a turnover, putting Nashville ahead 1-0 and recording his 25th goal of the season. Chicago tied the game early in the second period as Connor Bedard scored his 25th goal, leveling the score at 1-1 through 40 minutes.

Chicago moved in front at 3:16 of the third period on a power-play goal by Tyler Bertuzzi, his 26th of the season and a team high. Nashville’s response came on its own power play: with seconds remaining on the advantage, rookie Matthew Wood scored to make it 2-2. O’Reilly then finished a late rush chance created by Roman Josi to give Nashville a 3-2 lead. Steven Stamkos sealed the result with an empty-net goal in the final minute, his 29th of the season.

• Final score: Predators 4, Blackhawks 2
• Third period: Nashville 3 goals, Chicago 1
• Goal scorers (NSH): Forsberg, Wood, O’Reilly, Stamkos
• Goal scorers (CHI): Bedard, Bertuzzi

Roster notes and milestones from the night

Nashville dressed forward Zach L’Heureux for his season debut; he recorded three hits in 9:45 of ice time. Forsberg’s 25-goal season marked the ninth time in his NHL career he has reached that threshold. Stamkos’ empty-netter was the 611th goal of his career, moving him into sole possession of 19th place on the league’s all-time goals list.

Nashville’s finish hinged on special teams and late execution: the tying goal came on a third-period power play, followed by the deciding goal at even strength in the final minutes.

What’s next on the schedule

The Predators are scheduled to visit the Dallas Stars on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The Blackhawks continue their road trip Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche.