Steven Stamkos scores twice as Predators defeat Golden Knights

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Steven Stamkos had two goals and an assist as the Nashville Predators defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-1 on Saturday. Ryan O’Reilly and Tyson Jost also scored for the Predators, who won their third straight game. Justus Annunen made 39 saves in goal for Nashville. Shea Theodore scored the lone goal for the struggling Golden Knights, who have lost three in a row.

Why it matters

The win moves the Predators into the final wild card spot in the Western Conference, passing the Los Angeles Kings. The slumping Golden Knights, who have only managed one goal in their last three games, are clinging to the final playoff spot in the Pacific Division.

The details

Stamkos opened the scoring just 40 seconds into the game, ripping a one-timer from the high slot after a faceoff win by O’Reilly. Stamkos scored again on the power play early in the second period to make it 2-0. Jost’s short-handed goal later in the second period extended the lead to 3-0 before Theodore got Vegas on the board with a power-play tally. O’Reilly’s power-play goal in the second period capped the scoring for Nashville.

Stamkos scored 40 seconds into the first period.Stamkos scored on the power play 83 seconds into the second period.Jost scored a short-handed goal with 8:04 left in the second period.Theodore scored a power-play goal for Vegas with 6:50 left in the second period.O’Reilly scored a power-play goal with 5:07 left in the second period.

The players

Steven Stamkos

A veteran forward for the Nashville Predators who scored two goals and added an assist in the game.

Ryan O’Reilly

A forward for the Nashville Predators who had a goal and an assist in the win.

Tyson Jost

A forward for the Nashville Predators who scored a short-handed goal in the second period.

Justus Annunen

The goaltender for the Nashville Predators who made 39 saves in the victory.

Shea Theodore

A defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights who scored their lone goal in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

This win was crucial for the Predators as they look to secure a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights’ struggles continue, as they have only managed one goal in their last three games, putting their postseason hopes in jeopardy.