Predators use Stankos’ hat trick – Hockey writer – Nashville Predators beat the Blackhawks 3-2

The Nashville Predators and the Chicago Blackhawks fought Saturday night in Smashville. Neither team competed for the playoffs, but both had the motivation to get into the game. The Predators won two games in a row, while the Blackhawks won a 4-3 victory over the previous night against Utah Hockey Club. Eventually, Steven Stamkos won his third goal (21) in overtime, giving the Predators a 3-2 victory.

Game review

Arvid Soderblom keeps the Blackhawks in the game in the first stage. The Predators beat the visitors 17-6, but the goalkeeper has answers to every question he faces. The period ends at 0-0. The Blackhawks came out with more enthusiasm at the start of the second time, shooting in the first two minutes. Eventually, defender Alex Vlasic’s shot biased Netminder Justus Annunen towards the 1-0 Blackhawks.

Kimchi goal Kimchi goal attacks the target 🥒🚨 pic.twitter.com/0pfusuj9hh

— Chicago Blackhawks (@nhlblackhawks) March 9, 2025

The Predators answered, though not a minute later, Stankos hit the power play. Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno made another mistake, giving the Predators a 2-1 lead to the third stage. Stamkos waved his natural hat trick after calling out to the predator.

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Connor Bedard had a glorious chance to equalize in two games at the start of the third stage, but he overkilled the puck and hit a shot. A few minutes later, Louis Crevier hit Annunen’s shot, but the goal was overturned after Nashville successfully challenged offside. But Ilya Mikheyev will connect the game to the remaining approximately seven minutes of distance on Ryan Donato’s excellent pass. This game takes extra time.

Hat trick completed🎩🎩🎩🎩 pic.twitter.com/pcqdvrpbpj

— Nashville Predators (@predsnhl) March 9, 2025

Stamkos finished his hat-trick at 2:39 in overtime and grabbed the Blackhawks in an extended transition. His 21st goal of the season has provided the Predators with additional points.

What’s next?

The Blackhawks will have one night before heading to Denver on Monday to play the Colorado Avalanche. The Predator will take two days to travel and settle in California before playing the San Jose Shark on Tuesday. Now, both teams have less than 20 games left this season, so each team will be looking for positive results during the offseason.