The Nashville Predators (29-44-8, 64 points) are ending the 2024-25 season Wednesday the same way they started it – hosting the Dallas Stars (50-25-7, 107 points) at Bridgestone Arena.
The Predators have lost two straight and are 2-8-0 in their last 10. They will finish seventh in the Central Division this season, ahead of only the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Stars have lost six straight, with their last win coming over the Predators April 3 in Dallas. They are already locked into second place in the Central Division and will have home ice advantage over the third-place Colorado Avalanche when the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs begins Saturday.
How the Predators Lined Up vs. Dallas
Bunting-O’Reilly-Evangelista
Forsberg-Stamkos-Marchessault
L’Heureux-Svechkov-Wood
Smith-McCarron-Vrana
Skjei-Blankenburg
Oesterle-Barron
Englund-Del Gaizo
Saros
Annunen
Extra: Sissons (week-to-week, lower-body)
IR: Lauzon, Wilsby, Josi
Predators vs. Stars: Live Updates
First Period (NSH 3, DAL 1)
It took just 16 seconds for Dallas to jump out to a 1-0 lead thanks to a goal from Mason Marchment. He was assisted by his line mates, former Predators forward Matt Duchene and Tyler Seguin – the latter of whom was making his return to the lineup for the first time since Dec. 1 after undergoing hip surgery.
Nashville was able to get out of some early penalty trouble and tie the game on a one-timer from Jordan Oesterle at the 13:02 mark of the first period.
Starting off with a defenseman goal?? YES PLEASE! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ePbSX3HQWK
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 17, 2025
Jakub Vrana gave the Predators their first lead of the game less than a minute later on a deflection at the top of the crease to make it 2-1.
TIP TIP GOAL! pic.twitter.com/VTibtMG8pf
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 17, 2025
With 15 seconds remaining in the first period, Justin Barron shoveled a loose puck under a sprawling Jake Oettinger to give the Predators a 3-1 lead heading into the first intermission.
JB just sneaking it across 🤫 pic.twitter.com/3WAGHpLAIw
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 17, 2025
Second Period (NSH 3, DAL 1)
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