Vegas Golden Knights vs Nashville Predators - NHL Game 21 - 2026 | Golden Knights' Comeback Falls Short as Predators Steal 3-2 Shootout Victory

Game Summary: Vegas Golden Knights vs Nashville Predators

Nashville Strikes First

The Predators came into Las Vegas riding a six-game winning streak, and they looked every bit like a team playing with confidence.

At 7:56 of the opening period, O’Reilly finished a beautiful passing sequence. Steven Stamkos delivered a touch pass across the front of the net, and O’Reilly redirected it home to give Nashville a 1-0 advantage.

Vegas had opportunities to respond, but Saros was already making life difficult. The Nashville goaltender was sharp early, turning away chances and refusing to give the Knights an easy opening.

But Vegas kept coming. The pressure eventually paid off at 11:19 when Olofsson found a loose puck in front and finished with a diving wrist shot to tie the game 1-1.

That’s two straight games with a goal for Olofsson, who has looked increasingly comfortable since returning from injury. His timing couldn’t be better, and his ability to find the net around the crease is giving Vegas another dangerous offensive option.

Andersson Gives Vegas the Lead

The second period brought another big moment, and this one belonged to the blue line.

At 10:48, during four-on-four action, Mitch Marner carried the puck into the offensive zone with speed. He drew Nashville’s defenders toward him before slipping a terrific pass to Andersson, who had found open space.

Andersson made no mistake, firing a wrist shot past Saros to put Vegas ahead 2-1.

It was a terrific example of Marner’s vision and patience. He didn’t force the play or rush the opportunity. He let the defense come to him, found the open teammate, and created a scoring chance that Andersson finished beautifully.

The goal was especially meaningful because it marked the first goal by a Vegas defenseman in 11 games. Andersson also made it a memorable night for Marner, who was playing in his 100th game as a Golden Knight and extended his home point streak to 10 games.

Vegas had the lead, the crowd was buzzing, and the Knights had every reason to feel good heading into the third.

O’Reilly Has Other Plans

Nashville wasn’t about to let its winning streak disappear without a fight.

At 9:44 of the third period, O’Reilly struck again. After Nashville worked the puck from the blue line back behind the net, he skated along above the right goal line, spun, and fired a wrist shot over Hill’s left shoulder to even the score at 2-2.

It was a tough one for Vegas. The Knights had played well enough to build a lead, but O’Reilly found the opening Nashville needed.

Both teams had chances to finish the job in regulation, but neither could find another goal. The game headed to overtime, where Vegas continued applying pressure.

Olofsson came painfully close to becoming the hero, sending a shot off the post with a chance to end the night. It was one of those moments that makes you jump out of your seat before realizing the puck somehow stayed out.

The game went to a shootout.

Josi Delivers the Final Blow

Vegas got an early advantage when rookie Trevor Connelly scored in the second round of the shootout. Nashville answered through Filip Forsberg in the third round, keeping the contest alive.

Then came the fourth round.

After Saros stopped Eichel, Josi stepped up and converted his attempt, giving Nashville the 3-2 victory.

Hill couldn’t make the final stop, and just like that, the Knights’ four-game winning streak was history.

Saros finished with an outstanding 40 saves, while Hill stopped 30 of 32 shots. Those numbers tell you just how much work both goaltenders put in, but Saros ultimately made the difference.

A Tough Finish, but Plenty to Build On

There are reasons for Vegas to be encouraged despite the result.

Olofsson scored for the second consecutive game and continues to provide a spark since returning from injury. Andersson delivered an important goal, Marner created another highlight-reel assist, and Hill gave his team a chance to win.

The Knights also generated 42 shots on goal, keeping constant pressure on Saros. Sometimes the puck simply doesn’t bounce your way, and Friday was one of those nights.

Nashville improved its winning streak to seven games, while Vegas moved to 13-5-3. The Golden Knights’ four-game winning streak ended, but their six-game point streak remains alive.

Vegas head coach Ryan Craig, Andersson, and William Karlsson all spoke with the media after the game. The team’s official postgame interview is available, although I couldn’t verify an exact transcript of their remarks, so I’ve kept this article free of unconfirmed direct quotations rather than putting words in anyone’s mouth.

The Road Ahead

The homestand continues Sunday when Vegas welcomes the Vancouver Canucks to T-Mobile Arena. The Golden Knights will also debut their Hometown Remix jerseys, adding a little extra excitement to the next night at home.

The loss stings, especially after Vegas had a lead and a chance to make it five straight victories. But this team is still collecting points, creating chances, and getting important contributions from players throughout the lineup.

The message is simple: don’t let one shootout loss derail the bigger picture.

Olofsson is heating up, Marner is making magic, Andersson is contributing offensively, and Hill continues to give Vegas a chance every night.

The streak of wins is over, but the fight is still there. Vegas earned a point, learned a little more about itself, and now has another opportunity waiting at home Sunday.

Post-Game

Golden Knights head coach Ryan Craig explained how repeated Nashville possessions in the Vegas end wore his group down as the game went on. “If you give them second chance after second chance, now you get fatigued, and now we’re just punting the puck,” Craig said.

Andersson, who scored the go-ahead goal in the second period, said Vegas can take a page from the way Nashville crowded the net late in the game. “Can we create more traffic and chaos a little bit like they did on us in the third? For sure,” Andersson said. (Quotes via The Hockey News, via Yahoo Sports.)

Catch up on the run that led into Friday with our recaps of Barbashev’s big night as the Golden Knights outlasted the Mammoth 5-3 and Hertl’s third-period takeover against the Sabres, and follow every game on our Vegas Golden Knights team hub.

TOP PERFORMERS

TEAM STATS

Goals: Olofsson, Andersson, Connelly | Attendance: 16,641 at T-Mobile Arena

Next up: The Golden Knights host the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday, Nov. 15, at T-Mobile Arena. Puck drop is 6 p.m. PT on Scripps Sports.

Franchise Sports Media. Las Vegas sports news about Las Vegas Sports teams.

– Jordan Vega – Franchise Sports Media

Follow Jordan on Instagram: @jordantvegas

Photography by Jenni Webber (@jenniwebberphotography) for Franchise Sports Media

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