NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Ottawa Senators cruised to a 5-2 victory over the Nashville Predators on February 3, 2025, marking their fifth consecutive win. Adam Gaudette and David Perron each found the back of the net and contributed assists, helping the Senators maintain momentum.
The action took place at Bridgestone Arena, where the Predators were eager to bounce back from their recent slump. Filip Forsberg got the crowd roaring, scoring the first goal of the game just 3:59 minutes after the second period started, but it wasn't enough to turn the tide for Nashville.
After Forsberg’s early goal, the Senators quickly responded with strikes from Gaudette and Jake Sanderson, who capitalized on Nashville's defensive lapses to take a 2-1 lead heading to the intermission. Ottawa's Anton Forsberg was solid in goal, making 25 saves throughout the match.
The Predators started the third period with hope as Jonathan Marchessault scored just 47 seconds in, tying the game at 2-2. But it was the Senators who seized control, with Shane Pinto responding with another goal at 6:17 and Perron sealing the deal with his power-play goal late in the game.
“For the last two games, I'm as disappointed as I've been with our group,” said Predators coach Andrew Brunette. He referred to the fatigue and errors, reflecting how the back-to-back games had taken their toll on the team. The Predators have now lost five in a row, pushing their record to 18-27-7, just one position out of last place in the Western Conference.
Ryan O'Reilly, the alternate captain for Nashville, echoed the discouragement felt across the locker room. "It's frustrating... I think there's two big mistakes I don't normally make but gave them life," O'Reilly stated, lamenting the team's inability to capitalize on moments when they appeared to gain momentum.
On the other hand, the Senators' winning streak has solidified their position as they now prepare for upcoming matches, seeking to build on their recent performances. With this result, they improved their road record to .500 this season.
Statistically speaking, the Senators dominated much of the gameplay, outshooting the Predators and blocking 11 of their attempts. Nashville struggled with penalties, receiving five calls against them during the match, which stunted their offensive rhythm. Although Ottawa managed only one goal on the power play, they efficiently capitalized on Nashville’s mistakes, which proved detrimental.
Roman Josi made history during this game as he played his 957th career game, surpassing David Legwand as the player with the most games played for the Predators. Meanwhile, Filip Forsberg scored his eighth career 50-point season, tying him with Josi for the most in Predators history.
After the game, Forsberg reflected on the team’s struggles, stating, “That puck goes in off of [Wilsby]. I think that's just kind of how things are going, sadly, at the moment.” His comments encapsulate the frustration of the Predators as they look to break their losing streak.
Looking forward, the Senators will visit Tampa Bay for multiple games, where they hope to maintain their winning streak. The Predators are set to face the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, aiming to regain some footing as the playoff chase grows tighter.
The outcome of this match serves as both a significant benchmark for Ottawa’s confidence and another harsh lesson for Nashville, as they continue to search for solutions amid their recent downward spiral.