Predators Edge Stars 2-1 for First Win as Ahcan and Trudeau Impress on Blue Line

NASHVILLE – The Nashville Predators captured their first win of the 2026-27 campaign by defeating the Dallas Stars 2-1 on Saturday night at Bridgestone Arena.

While earning two points was the ultimate goal, the Predators also saw encouraging signs from two of their newest defensemen, addressing a key area of concern heading into the season.

Head coach Andrew Brunette dressed 11 forwards and seven defensemen against Dallas, as the team continues to evaluate its blue-line options. Defenseman William Trudeau made his NHL debut, while Jack Ahcan suited up for his first game as a Predator.

"Yeah, and not knowing the players," Brunette said of his decision. "I think we wanted to look at them, but we're not sure. You worry about maybe William coming into his first NHL game. I know Jack a little bit, and I think it just gives you a little bit of safety to have both of them in, and obviously we've got to make some decisions going forward, and it's going to sort itself out. I thought they both showed really well. Yeah, that was the major issue of putting in two guys that haven't really – one's the first NHL game, one hasn't been with us too long. So we just wanted a little safety there."

The Predators surrendered a goal just 45 seconds into the contest but responded by tightening up defensively and generating offense. Two first-period power-play goals gave Nashville a lead it would not relinquish.

Ahcan sparked the go-ahead tally, launching a shot from the blue line that deflected off Nils Höglander and into the net for what proved to be the game-winner.

"Yeah, it's just funny how that kind of works out," Ahcan said. "Just a simple shot to the net. It kind of bounces around, bangs around, hits Hogie [Höglander], goes in. Sometimes the puck's lucky on your side. Feels really good to get that done, but I'm just happy to play well and get the win for the team."

Ahcan logged only 5:49 of ice time across nine shifts, but his first point with Nashville and a hit made an impression on a coaching staff tasked with making defensive decisions.

Trudeau skated 12:15 on 12 shifts, recording two hits, a blocked shot, and a shot on goal.

"Yeah, I thought they were both good," Brunette said. "I think with Jack, obviously, lost him a little bit, but I thought he used his feet when he was out there. It was good to see them. I thought William, for his first NHL game, seemed pretty dialed in. I didn't think he was too nervous, and I thought he played to what we think his identity can be. I thought Willy had a great game back there. I thought he skated and moved pucks, and Roman looked like Roman at different times tonight. So it was a good effort by everybody. Everybody brought what they needed to bring."

Nashville's defense faced heavy pressure in the latter half as Dallas pushed for an equalizer. The Stars fired 21 shots on net over the final two periods, but goaltender Juuse Saros stood tall, preserving the one-goal advantage.

Saros praised the two new defensemen after the game.

"I think they were both really solid," Saros said. "They played really well and made nice plays. So yeah, they didn't look like they were playing their first games here."

Nashville finished with 15 blocked shots and seven takeaways, committing only one penalty, which they successfully killed. The Predators held firm in the final three minutes after Dallas pulled Casey DeSmith for an extra attacker.

Ahcan highlighted the team's communication and resilience in the closing period as Nashville sealed its first win of the year.

"I think it was just everybody just trying to keep the puck out of the net," Ahcan said. "Making strong plays at the blue lines, both offensively and defensively. Those high flips can really help you out there. I think there was two broken sticks on one of those plays where they were hemmed in there for however long. Lots of talk. Lots of communication. It was a great defensive effort by everybody out there, and it was cool to see Truds [Trudeau] too get his first game. I thought he looked awesome. So I think just a full team win, which was great to see."

The Predators still have decisions to make on the blue line as the 2026-27 season unfolds, but strong performances from Ahcan and Trudeau give management plenty to consider before Nashville's first road trip of the season.

Joe Gaither covers the Nashville Predators for Nashville Predators On SI. He also oversees videos and podcasts for Alabama Crimson Tide On SI/BamaCentral. He began his sports media career in radio in 2019, working for three years in Tuscaloosa covering the University of Alabama and other local high school sports. In 2023 he joined BamaCentral to cover a variety of Crimson Tide sports and recruiting, in addition to hosting the Joe Gaither Show podcast. His work has also appeared on the Boston College, Miami, Missouri and Vanderbilt college On SI sites. Follow JoeGaither6.