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For the first time in 14 years, the Nashville Predators displayed a power play of such potency. In a 6-2 triumph over the Colorado Avalanche at Bridgestone Arena on October 25, the Predators converted four of seven power-play chances, the most power-play goals in a single game since 2012.
"We had some good looks that we buried," said Steven Stamkos, who netted one of his two goals with the man advantage. "That's what you're supposed to do when you get those chances." Nashville (4-3-4, 12 points) outscored Colorado in every period, notching two goals in the first, three in the second, and one in the third.
Ryan O'Reilly paced the team with four points (two goals, two assists), while Stamkos (two goals, one assist), Filip Forsberg (one goal, two assists), and Roman Josi (three assists) each contributed three points. Stamkos described the outing as the team's best performance of the season. "We've talked about searching for that type of effort," he said. "That's the way we want to play, so that's the standard."
Replicating such power-play success will be a challenge for Nashville. The franchise has scored at least four power-play goals in a game only five other times: March 4, 2004 at Pittsburgh (6); February 18, 2004 vs. San Jose (5); October 24, 2006 vs. Colorado (4); January 7, 2012 vs. Carolina (4); November 10, 2005 vs. Dallas (4); and December 20, 2001 vs. Vancouver (4).
The win over Colorado snapped a two-game losing streak for Nashville, which included a 3-2 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins the previous night. Although the Predators have struggled with consistency, they have thrived when the power play produces: they are 4-0-3 in games with at least one power-play goal and 0-3-1 when held without one.
Nashville's power play now ranks third in the NHL at 33.3%, with key contributors including O'Reilly (4), Stamkos (3), Jonathan Marchessault (2), Forsberg (1), Nils Hoglander (1), and Matthew Wood (1). "Your best players win you the most games," coach Andrew Brunette said. "They won us that game tonight. For all of them, it was a master class of puck strength and connection when they were on the ice."
Next, the Predators host the New York Islanders on October 27 at 7 p.m. CT (The Spot Nashville 28).
Key Analysis
The Predators' power play has been a decisive factor in their early-season success. With a third-ranked conversion rate and top players consistently finding the back of the net with the man advantage, Nashville has shown it can compete when special teams deliver. However, the challenge will be maintaining that level of execution, especially given the rarity of four power-play goals in a game. If the Predators can sustain even a fraction of this efficiency, they could become a formidable force in the Western Conference.
Originally reported by yahoo.