NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Dallas Stars rallied in the third period, scoring three goals to overcome the Nashville Predators in a 5-4 victory on Saturday. Adam Erne and Sam Steel scored just 47 seconds apart, turning the tide in favor of the Stars.
The Predators carried a 3-2 lead into the final frame, but the Stars' offensive surge proved too much to handle. After Justin Hryckowian and Steven Stamkos traded goals early in the third, Erne and Steel capitalized, securing the win for Dallas.
Mavrik Bourque contributed a goal and an assist for the Stars. Roope Hintz and Justin Hryckowian also added goals to the scoreboard. Jake Oettinger made 16 saves in the game. Wyatt Johnston and Miro Heiskanen each had two assists. Heiskanen now has an impressive one goal and six assists in his last three games.
For the Predators, Nicolas Hague had a goal and an assist, while Filip Forsberg, Luke Evangelista, and Steven Stamkos each scored. Justus Annunen stopped 17 shots in the losing effort. Ryan O'Reilly and Nick Blankenburg each tallied two assists for Nashville.
Hague's goal at 4:43 of the second period marked his first as a Predator, a wrist shot from the left point. Forsberg followed up 27 seconds later, giving Nashville a 3-2 lead.
The Stars capitalized on a power play early in the second when Hintz scored just 13 seconds into the period, giving Dallas a 2-1 advantage. Evangelista had tied the game for Nashville late in the first period.
Nashville had a late power play opportunity to tie the game, but Oettinger and the Stars' defense held strong. The Predators pulled Annunen for an extra attacker during the power play's final 21 seconds but managed only one shot on goal. The Predators concluded the game with one power-play goal on four attempts.
The Stars have been performing well recently, earning points in eight of their last nine games, with a record of 5-1-3. In contrast, the Predators have struggled, losing seven of their last eight games.
Looking ahead, the Stars will host Seattle on Sunday. The Predators will visit the New York Rangers on Monday.
