For the second consecutive game, the Nashville Predators fell behind within the first 20 seconds and never managed to bounce back. Just 11 seconds in, a quick goal set the tone as the Predators were defeated 8-3 by the Florida Panthers on Monday at Bridgestone Arena.
This marks the most goals the Predators have allowed in a single match since an 8-4 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 1, 2025, and it represents their eighth defeat in nine games.
Much like their recent loss to the Avalanche, the early goal came from a dump into the zone where the Panthers crowded the left side of the ice. After a faceoff, Carter Verhaeghe reached the puck first, passed to AJ Grier, who quickly shot and scored.
The Panthers’ second goal saw Sam Reinhart outmaneuver Nick Perbix behind the net, pass to Ubis Balinski, with Evan Rodriguez finishing the play. The Predators fought back with goals from Filip Forsberg and Fedor Svechkov in the opening period, tying the game at two. Svechkov’s goal was his first of the season and second overall.
However, Jesper Boqvist quickly regained the lead for Florida, followed by Sam Bennett scoring off a rebound, restoring the Panthers’ two-goal advantage. In total, six goals were scored within the first 20 minutes.
In the second period, Gustav Forsling extended Florida’s lead to 5-2 with a point shot. Nashville’s goalie, Juuse Saros, allowed five goals on 15 shots and was replaced by Justus Annunen. Early in the third period, Nick Blankenburg brought the Predators closer with a power-play goal, giving hope for a rally — his team’s 11th power-play score of the season.
Florida, however, shut down any comeback attempts by adding three unanswered goals, sealing a commanding 8-3 victory. Despite outshooting the Panthers 39-26 and winning 57.1% of faceoffs, Nashville’s defense repeatedly faltered. Florida also turned over the puck 15 times, yet managed to capitalize efficiently.
The Panthers took only 11 shots in the final 40 minutes but made them count. Saros was pulled for the second time this season, with Annunen still searching for his first win of the year. Saros finished with 11 saves on 16 shots, and Annunen made 7 saves on 10 shots.
Nashville has now lost three straight games by a combined score of 15-3 and hasn’t won at home since November 1. Facing the Winnipeg Jets next Friday, a loss would leave them with a disappointing 1-5-1 home record for November. They then head on the road to face the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks, two solid teams with challenging records.
Currently last in the NHL standings with just 16 points from 22 games, the Predators desperately need to find momentum.
Next up: Nashville Predators (6-12-4) vs. Detroit Red Wings (13-9-1), Wednesday, Nov. 26, 6:00 PM CST at Little Caesars Arena.
Fan Take: This streak of poor performances highlights the critical need for Nashville to tighten their defensive game and regroup quickly. Hockey fans should watch closely, as how the Predators respond could influence their season trajectory and add drama to the race for playoff spots.
