Predators, Utah Seek Strong Finish as Seasons Wind Down
With the playoffs out of reach for both sides, the Nashville Predators and Utah Hockey Club will meet Monday night with one goal in mind — finishing the season with purpose. The final week offers little in terms of postseason implications, but both clubs are looking to close out their campaigns with pride, momentum, and something to build on for the future.
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Utah Riding Late-Season Surge
Despite being eliminated from playoff contention, Utah (37-30-13, 87 points) has embraced the spoiler role and continued to raise its standards in the final stretch. Winners of three of their last four (3-0-1), Utah enters the game on a high after a dominant 5-3 win over the Dallas Stars on Saturday.
That victory was powered by a red-hot power play, which has now gone 10-for-18 over the past five games. Logan Cooley led the way with a goal and two assists, while Barrett Hayton reached the 20-goal mark for the first time in his career. Dylan Guenther and Jack McBain chipped in two assists each, showcasing the club’s youthful depth.
“This was a huge game for us,” Hayton said. “We built a standard this year and we want to keep that and keep growing in this final stretch.”
Goaltender Karel Vejmelka has been a workhorse, starting 23 straight games — the NHL’s longest such streak in a decade. Over that span, he’s posted a 13-6-4 record with a .902 save percentage and 2.45 GAA.
Predators Looking to Salvage Disappointing Season
The Predators (29-43-8, 66 points) came into the year with playoff aspirations after adding Jonathan Marchessault and Steven Stamkos in free agency. But a dismal start, including a five-game losing streak to open the season and an eight-game slide soon after, left them with a 7-16-6 record through 29 games — a hole they never climbed out of.
Though the Preds have had flashes of competitiveness, including a recent two-game win streak, their hopes for a respectable finish were dented Saturday in Vegas. Nashville tied the game 3-3 in the third period before surrendering two goals in the final two minutes in a 5-3 loss.
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“We’re still trying to hang on to something here down the stretch,” coach Andrew Brunette said. “You’re always going to remember your last couple, so hopefully we play the right way.”
Marchessault ranks second on the team with 54 points, while Stamkos sits right behind with 52. Nashville will close the season with two home games, and a strong performance Monday could offer some solace after a turbulent year.
Final Impressions Matter
For both teams, this game is less about the standings and more about pride. Utah wants to finish its inaugural campaign with energy, and Nashville hopes to reward fans in its final home stand with meaningful performances. With emerging stars on one side and veterans trying to set the tone on the other, this is more than just a formality — it’s a battle for a proper send-off.