Predators Edge Panthers in Overtime Thriller — They Played It Their Way
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 9:45 am
The Nashville Predators and Florida Panthers skated into a classic showdown last night, battling shot for shot, goal for goal, and penalty for penalty. In a game that could’ve gone either way, the Predators ultimately claimed victory their way, 4-3 in overtime.
Verse 1: The Opening Chorus
Right from the drop of the puck, both teams fired twelve shots in the first period — fierce and fast, the kind of pace that’s Sinatra-worthy. Logan Cooley opened the scoring for Nashville at 7:08, assisted by Nyquist and Giordano, setting the tone with a confident strike. But the Panthers weren’t backing down — Jamie Benn answered late in the period, tying the game and singing back with style.
Verse 2: The Middle Movement
Period two was a back-and-forth ballad. Gustav Nyquist took the stage, scoring at 5:37, with Okposo and Liljegren chiming in for the assist — the Predators found their rhythm. Florida’s Drake Batherson fought back at 9:41, keeping the Panthers’ hopes alive. Penalties came and went, but neither side broke the harmony.
Verse 3: The Final Stanza
In the third, Nashville’s Max Pacioretty turned heads with a short-handed goal at 3:04, a solo act that gave the Predators a lead worth crooning about. Yet, the Panthers responded again — Joe Pavelski found the net at 15:26, reminding everyone this was no easy victory. Tensions rose, penalties stacked, and the clock wound down to a nail-biting finish.
The Overtime Finale: The Predators’ Crescendo
With just over a minute into overtime, Kyle Okposo sealed the show on a power play setup from Jarvis and Nyquist — a smooth, confident finish that brought the house down and the Predators home.
Stars of the Night
Gustav Nyquist led Nashville’s orchestra with three points, including a goal and two assists — a performance truly their way. Logan Cooley’s two points and steady play earned him a standing ovation, while Jamie Benn dazzled the Panthers with a goal and assist.
The Goalies’ Ballad
Pyotr Kochetkov stood tall in net for Nashville, stopping 21 of 24 shots and earning the win with cool composure. Florida’s Cam Talbot made 29 saves but ultimately couldn’t hold back the final note.
Final Notes: The Crowd’s Cheers and Bottom Line
A lively crowd of 16,901 witnessed a game rich with energy, passion, and unforgettable moments. The franchise’s financials also hit a high note, closing with a net profit of $1.2 million — a performance worth every cent.
In a game of grit and grace, skill and will, the Predators showed they knew how to play it their way — and last night, that was just enough.
Verse 1: The Opening Chorus
Right from the drop of the puck, both teams fired twelve shots in the first period — fierce and fast, the kind of pace that’s Sinatra-worthy. Logan Cooley opened the scoring for Nashville at 7:08, assisted by Nyquist and Giordano, setting the tone with a confident strike. But the Panthers weren’t backing down — Jamie Benn answered late in the period, tying the game and singing back with style.
Verse 2: The Middle Movement
Period two was a back-and-forth ballad. Gustav Nyquist took the stage, scoring at 5:37, with Okposo and Liljegren chiming in for the assist — the Predators found their rhythm. Florida’s Drake Batherson fought back at 9:41, keeping the Panthers’ hopes alive. Penalties came and went, but neither side broke the harmony.
Verse 3: The Final Stanza
In the third, Nashville’s Max Pacioretty turned heads with a short-handed goal at 3:04, a solo act that gave the Predators a lead worth crooning about. Yet, the Panthers responded again — Joe Pavelski found the net at 15:26, reminding everyone this was no easy victory. Tensions rose, penalties stacked, and the clock wound down to a nail-biting finish.
The Overtime Finale: The Predators’ Crescendo
With just over a minute into overtime, Kyle Okposo sealed the show on a power play setup from Jarvis and Nyquist — a smooth, confident finish that brought the house down and the Predators home.
Stars of the Night
Gustav Nyquist led Nashville’s orchestra with three points, including a goal and two assists — a performance truly their way. Logan Cooley’s two points and steady play earned him a standing ovation, while Jamie Benn dazzled the Panthers with a goal and assist.
The Goalies’ Ballad
Pyotr Kochetkov stood tall in net for Nashville, stopping 21 of 24 shots and earning the win with cool composure. Florida’s Cam Talbot made 29 saves but ultimately couldn’t hold back the final note.
Final Notes: The Crowd’s Cheers and Bottom Line
A lively crowd of 16,901 witnessed a game rich with energy, passion, and unforgettable moments. The franchise’s financials also hit a high note, closing with a net profit of $1.2 million — a performance worth every cent.
In a game of grit and grace, skill and will, the Predators showed they knew how to play it their way — and last night, that was just enough.