The Nashville Predators emerged victorious against the Calgary Flames with a thrilling 4-3 win at Scotiabank Saddledome on January 3, thanks to a dramatic goal by Nic Hague in the final moments of the game. The victory marked a pivotal moment in the contest, showcasing the intensity and competitiveness of both teams.

After the Flames took an early lead with a goal from Yan Kuznetzov, the Predators quickly responded with two goals from Erik Haula in the first period, giving them a 2-1 advantage. However, the Flames managed to tie the game with a goal from Rasmus Andersson, just before a chaotic melee broke out between Cole Smith and Ryan Lomberg. This incident also resulted in misconduct penalties for Michael McCarron and John Beecher.

In the second period, Michael Bunting extended the Predators’ lead to 3-2 after capitalizing on a mistake by Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf. Bunting intercepted a poorly executed pass behind the net and scored easily, putting the Predators in a strong position heading into the third period.

The third period was filled with tension as Blake Coleman tied the game, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. With just 29 seconds remaining on the clock, Nic Hague delivered the decisive blow, scoring the winning goal and securing a 4-3 victory for the Predators.

Looking ahead, the Predators (19-18-4, 42 points) will face the Edmonton Oilers on January 6, while the Flames (18-19-4, 40 points) will host the Seattle Kraken on January 5.

Olympic Recognition

Erik Haula, a key player for the Nashville Predators, has been named to Finland’s 2026 Olympic roster, highlighting his significant contributions to the team and international hockey.

Game Highlights

End of the 2nd Period: Predators Lead Flames 3-2

The second period saw fewer goals but plenty of action. Bunting’s goal, which came off a mistake by Dustin Wolf, was the only score of the period, giving the Predators a 3-2 lead going into the third. Nashville led in shots 29-14.

Nic Hague Makes John Beecher Pay for Sucker Punch

After returning to the game following a 10-minute misconduct, Nic Hague confronted John Beecher for the sucker punch on McCarron. A quick exchange at center ice resulted in several punches landed by Hague.

Michael Bunting Scores on Dustin Wolf’s Error

With 4:08 remaining in the second period, Dustin Wolf attempted to play the puck behind the net but instead sent it directly to Michael Bunting in the right circle. Bunting capitalized on the error, scoring into the open net for the Predators’ 3-2 lead. Ryan O’Reilly deserves credit for pressuring Wolf’s decision, as he heard footsteps coming up behind him.

End of the 1st Period: Predators and Flames Tied 2-2

The first period was packed with action, featuring two goals and two fights from each team. One fight sent Michael McCarron to the locker room with an apparent injury. Nashville led in shots 16-11.

Flames Tie It Up After Lengthy Delay from Fights

After multiple fights delayed the game around the seven-minute mark, Rasmus Andersson tied the game with 6:19 left in the period. The score was now 2-2, with Calgary and Nashville locked in a tight battle.

Multiple Fights Break Out, Then John Beecher Sucker Punched Michael McCarron

Following a lengthy fight between Cole Smith and Ryan Lomberg, an additional skirmish broke out between Michael McCarron and John Beecher. In the aftermath, Beecher sucker-punched McCarron, who had to leave the game. Both players received roughing penalties and a 10-minute misconduct.

Erik Haula Scores Twice in 1:03, Predators Lead 2-1 Over Flames

Suddenly, the Predators took the lead. Erik Haula scored two goals within just over one minute, giving Nashville a 2-1 advantage over Calgary. An excellent pass by Michael Bunting set up the first goal, and Steven Stamkos assisted on the second.

Flames Goal Taken Off the Board on Off-Side Challenge by Predators

At the 13:20 mark, it looked like Calgary had a 2-0 lead, but the Predators challenged the goal for off-side. Upon review, they were correct—Flames player entered the zone before the puck, resulting in the goal being disallowed. This was a significant moment for the Predators’ video team, who are now 3-for-3 on challenges this season.

Another Early Goal Against the Predators; Nashville Down 1-0

Yan Kuznetzov scored on the first shot of the game for Calgary, a long slap shot from the blue line that Juuse Saros never saw. This marked another early goal against the Predators and another goal allowed on the first shot of the game.

Lineup and Game Details

Nashville Predators lineup vs. Calgary Flames:

Forwards:
– Filip Forsberg – Ryan O’Reilly – Steven Stamkos
– Michael Bunting – Erik Haula – Luke Evangelista
– Tyson Jost – Fedor Svechkov

Defensemen:
– Roman Josi – Nick Perbix
– Brady Skjei – Adam Wilsby
– Nicolas Hague – Nick Blankenburg
– Justin Barron

Goaltender:
– Juuse Saros

Game Time and Broadcast Info

• Date and Game Time: 6 p.m. CT, January 3
• TV Channel: FanDuel Sports Network
• Streaming Info: FUBO (free trial available), ESPN+ outside the local market
• Radio: 102.5 FM The Game

Betting Odds

According to BetMGM on Saturday, January 3:

• Puck Line: Predators +1.5 at -225, Flames -1.5 at +185
• Over/Under: 5.5 goals
• Money Line: Predators +110, Flames -135

Nashville Predators 2025-26 Schedule

All times Central; Games on FanDuel Sports Network South unless otherwise noted.

Record: 18-18-4, 40 points

October
– Oct. 9: Columbus Blue Jackets, W 2-1
– Oct. 11: Utah Mammoth, L (OT) 3-2
– Oct. 13: at Ottawa Senators, W 4-1
– Oct. 14: at Toronto Maple Leafs, L 7-4
– Oct. 16: at Montreal Canadiens, L (OT) 3-2
– Oct. 18: at Winnipeg Jets, L 4-1
– Oct. 21: Anaheim Ducks, L 5-2
– Oct. 23: Vancouver Canucks, W 2-1
– Oct. 25: Los Angeles Kings, W 5-4 (SO)
– Oct. 26: Dallas Stars, L 3-2
– Oct. 28: Tampa Bay Lightning, L 5-2
– Oct. 30: at Philadelphia Flyers, L 4-1

November
– Nov. 1: Calgary Flames, W 4-2
– Nov. 3: Vancouver Canucks, L 5-4 OT
– Nov. 4: at Minnesota Wild, L 3-2 OT
– Nov. 6: Philadelphia Flyers, L 3-1
– Nov. 8: Dallas Stars, L 5-4
– Nov. 10: at New York Rangers, L 6-3
– Nov. 14: Pittsburgh Penguins W, 2-1 OT
– Nov. 16: at Pittsburgh Penguins L, 4-0
– Nov. 22: Colorado Avalanche, L 3-0
– Nov. 24: Florida Panthers, L 8-3
– Nov. 26: at Detroit Red Wings, W 6-3
– Nov. 28: at Chicago Blackhawks, W 4-3
– Nov. 29: Winnipeg Jets, L 5-2

December
– Dec. 2: Calgary Flames, W 5-1
– Dec. 4: at Florida Panthers, W 2-1 OT
– Dec. 6: at Carolina Hurricanes, L 6-3
– Dec. 9: Colorado Avalanche, W 4-3 SO
– Dec. 11: St. Louis Blues, W 7-2
– Dec. 13: at Colorado Avalanche, L 4-2
– Dec. 15: at St. Louis Blues, W 5-2
– Dec. 17: Carolina Hurricanes, L 4-1
– Dec. 20: Toronto Maple Leafs, W 5-3
– Dec. 21: New York Rangers, W 2-1
– Dec. 23: at Minnesota Wild, W 3-2 OT
– Dec. 27: at St. Louis Blues, L 3-2
– Dec. 29: at Utah Mammoth, W 4-3
– Dec. 31: at Vegas Golden Knights, W 4-2

January
– Jan. 1: at Seattle Kraken, L 4-1
– Jan. 3: at Calgary Flames
– Jan. 6: at Edmonton Oilers
– Jan. 8: New York Islanders
– Jan. 10: Chicago Blackhawks
– Jan. 11: Washington Capitals
– Jan. 13: Edmonton Oilers
– Jan. 16: at Colorado Avalanche
– Jan. 17: at Vegas Golden Knights
– Jan. 20: Buffalo Sabres
– Jan. 22: Ottawa Senators
– Jan. 24: Utah Mammoth
– Jan. 27: at Boston Bruins
– Jan. 29: at New Jersey Devils
– Jan. 31: at New York Islanders

February
– Feb. 2: St. Louis Blues
– Feb. 4: Minnesota Wild
– Feb. 5: at Washington Capitals
– Feb. 26: Chicago Blackhawks
– Feb. 28: at Dallas Stars

March
– March 2: Detroit Red Wings
– March 3: at Columbus Blue Jackets
– March 5: Boston Bruins
– March 7: at Buffalo Sabres
– March 10: at Seattle Kraken
– March 12: at Vancouver Canucks
– March 15: at Edmonton Oilers
– March 17: at Winnipeg Jets
– March 19: Seattle Kraken
– March 21: Vegas Golden Knights
– March 22: at Chicago Blackhawks
– March 24: San Jose Sharks
– March 26: New Jersey Devils
– March 28: Montreal Canadiens
– March 29: at Tampa Bay Lightning

April
– April 2: at Los Angeles Kings
– April 4: at San Jose Sharks
– April 6: at Los Angeles Kings
– April 7: at Anaheim Ducks
– April 9: at Utah Hockey Club
– April 11: Minnesota Wild
– April 13: San Jose Sharks
– April 16: Anaheim Ducks