Predators Sweep Panthers in Split-Squad Doubleheader to Open Preseason

Nashville launched the 2025–26 campaign with emphatic intent, sweeping a split-squad doubleheader over Florida at Bridgestone Arena. In the afternoon tilt, the Predators blanked the Panthers 5–0 behind a balanced attack and airtight defending. The nightcap delivered more fireworks, a 5–3 win paced by a top-six that looked refreshed and a power play that wasted no time asserting itself. It’s only preseason, but the on-ice product checked important boxes Nashville needed to see on Day 1: sharper puck movement, crisper breakouts, cleaner entries, and a noticeable edge in the faceoff circle.

Game 1: Structure, Pace, and a Combined Shutout

The opener belonged to Nashville’s revamped forward group. Erik Haula centered Jonathan Marchessault and Michael Bunting, and the trio controlled tempo from their first shift. Ryder Rolston opened the scoring at 5:24 of the first period, then Haula added a power-play finish early in the second before Reid Schaefer extended the lead midway through the frame. Haula’s second at 7:11 of the third and a late David Edstrom strike completed the 5–0 rout.

Under the hood, Nashville dominated the details. The Predators outshot Florida 26–19, owned 63.2% of the faceoff share, and went 1-for-1 on the power play while killing all three Florida opportunities. On the back end, Brady Skjei and Nick Perbix handled tough minutes, while Kevin Gravel and Justin Barron pushed pucks north with minimal drama. In net, Matt Murray (31:07, 12/12) started and Justus Annunen (28:53, 7/7) finished to split a 19-save shutout.

Game 2: Star Power and PP Precision

The evening game showcased Nashville’s high-end skill. Matthew Wood, skating with Brady Martin and Filip Forsberg at even strength, authored a three-point night that included a slick primary setup to Steven Stamkos for a first-period power-play goal and a composed 5-on-5 finish in the second. Forsberg buried a man-advantage tally at 9:39 of the second from a Roman Josi feed, while Cole Smith’s equalizer late in the first and Ryan O’Reilly’s empty-netter sealed a 5–3 win.

Nashville again controlled the margins: 31–27 shots, 65.1% on draws, and a perfect 2-for-2 on the power play with a spotless penalty kill. The bench ran an 11-forward/7-defense rotation; Smith–Gambrell–Carr provided the heavy forecheck minutes, while Fedor Svechkov and Joey Willis absorbed developmental shifts with a rotating winger. On defense, Josi–Hague led time-on-ice until Hague exited after a hit; no postgame update was provided. Nick Blankenburg impressed beside Spencer Stastney, nabbing a primary assist on Smith’s goal with assertive activation.

What Met, What Exceeded, and What’s Next

Several preseason hopes translated immediately. The Haula–Marchessault–Bunting trio looked cohesive and dangerous off controlled entries. Wood’s elevation into a top-six role brought pace and touch; his three points validated the idea that he can drive offense next to established stars. Special teams were sharp across both games, going 3-for-3 on the man advantage with clean puck movement through the bumper and strong net-front presence. Goaltending depth checked out as well: a combined shutout in Game 1 and steady work from Juuse Saros and Magnus Chrona in Game 2, even as Florida pressed in the third.

It wasn’t flawless—there were brief second-line turnovers and a couple of defensive zone seams that Florida exploited late in the nightcap—but for a first outing the Predators stacked two convincing results while blending veterans and prospects. The faceoff dominance, transition efficiency, and early PP rhythm are all repeatable indicators Nashville can carry into the next week of camp. With Tampa Bay up next on Tuesday, the priority shifts to tightening exits under pressure and ironing out rush defense layers behind the attacking F3.

Key Performers

Haula’s two-goal performance and Marchessault’s dual helpers headlined the matinee, supported by strong shifts from Bunting and a composed blue line. In the night session, Wood’s three-point showing, Forsberg’s PP finish, and Stamkos’ vintage one-timer were the marquee moments. O’Reilly’s late insurance marker was emblematic of his night on draws and situational reads. Between the pipes, Murray/Annunen split the shutout in Game 1, while Saros settled the group before Chrona managed the closing push in Game 2.

For Day 1 of the preseason, that’s the template Nashville needed: layered offense, accountable details, and competition up and down the lineup. The sweep won’t count in the standings, but it should help set the standard for camp reps and internal battles as the regular season draws closer.