NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Nashville Predators scored twice in the third period to erase a deficit and defeat the Washington Capitals 3-2 on Sunday at Bridgestone Arena. Steven Stamkos and Alex Ovechkin exchanged first-period goals. Ethen Frank gave Washington a 2-1 lead early in the third, but Cole Smith tied it for Nashville before captain Roman Josi netted the game-winner on a slap shot at 9:29. Josi finished with a goal and two assists. Justus Annunen made 29 saves for the win. The loss dropped Washington to 23-23, while Nashville improved to 21-24.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — Roman Josi scored the game-winning goal and added two assists, leading the Nashville Predators to a 3-2 comeback victory over the Washington Capitals in a tightly contested NHL game Sunday night at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators, who entered the third period tied 1-1, scored twice in the final frame to erase a late deficit and snap a two-game losing skid. The win improved Nashville to 21-24, while Washington fell to an even 23-23. The most critical sequence of the game unfolded in the third period. After Washington’s Ethen Frank gave the Capitals a 2-1 lead on a power-play goal at 7:03, assisted by Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome, the Predators responded swiftly. Just over two minutes later, at 9:29, Josi unleashed a powerful slap shot from the point on a setup from Steven Stamkos and Ryan O’Reilly, beating Washington goaltender Charlie Lindgren to reclaim the lead for good at 3-2. Josi, the Predators’ captain from Bern, Switzerland, was instrumental throughout, also assisting on Nashville’s first and third goals. His three-point night anchored a Nashville offense that was held in check for much of the first two periods by Lindgren, who made 29 saves. The game began with both teams exchanging power-play goals in a physical first period. Nashville struck first at 13:15 when Stamkos converted on a 5-on-3 advantage, with Josi and Filip Forsberg earning assists. Washington answered just over seven minutes later, also on the power play, as Ovechkin blasted his 20th goal of the season past Nashville netminder Justus Annunen at 5:56. John Carlson and Ryan Leonard provided the helpers. A scoreless second period was defined by strong goaltending and missed opportunities. Annunen, a native of Kempele, Finland, was particularly sharp, turning aside all 14 Washington shots in the period, including several high-danger chances. His performance kept the game tied heading into the third and provided the foundation for Nashville’s comeback. Frank’s go-ahead goal early in the third briefly silenced the home crowd, but Nashville’s response was immediate. Before Josi’s winner, Cole Smith had tied the game at 2-2 just 3:12 into the period, finishing a play created by Josi and Reid Schaefer. Annunen earned the win with 29 saves on 31 shots, outdueling Lindgren. Ovechkin finished with a goal and an assist for Washington, while Frank led all Capitals skaters with five shots on goal and his eighth tally of the season. The result defied several pregame projections. While statistical models gave Washington a 55.3% probability to win and had installed the Capitals as 1.5-goal favorites, Nashville’s third-period resilience secured the victory. The combined five goals also went over the posted total of 5.5. The game featured a combined 11 penalties, with Washington going 1 for 5 on the power play and Nashville converting 1 of 6 opportunities. The Capitals’ penalty kill, which had successfully navigated a lengthy 5-on-3 disadvantage in the first period, ultimately could not contain Josi’s decisive blast in the third. Washington continues its road trip with a visit to the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday. Nashville remains at home to host the Edmonton Oilers, also on Tuesday.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — Two teams looking to build momentum in a crowded middle of the NHL standings will meet Sunday when the Washington Capitals visit the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. The Capitals (23-22-0) arrive after a decisive 5-1 road victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night. The Predators (20-23-0) are coming off a 2-1 shootout win against the New York Islanders on Thursday. Both clubs have experienced inconsistent stretches, with Washington going 5-5-0 in its last 10 games and Nashville posting a 4-5-1 record in that same span. A key matchup will feature Washington’s emerging forward Connor McMichael against Nashville’s veteran center Ryan O’Reilly. McMichael is riding a hot streak, recording six points (one goal, five assists) in his last four games, including a goal and an assist in Friday’s win. O’Reilly has been a steadying force for the Predators, with points in three of his last four contests (two goals, one assist). Washington’s offense, which erupted for seven goals in a win over Anaheim on Jan. 5 but was stifled in a 4-1 loss to Dallas two days later, will test a Nashville defense anchored by captain Roman Josi. The Predators have allowed three or fewer goals in regulation in four of their last five games. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, the Predators are projected to win with a final score of 4-1. History suggests a tight contest; the teams have split their last several meetings, often decided by one goal. The game marks the start of a critical three-game homestand for Nashville, which hosts Edmonton on Tuesday. Washington continues a road-heavy portion of its schedule, with this being the first of eight away games in its next 10 contests. The Capitals return home to face Montreal on Tuesday. Puck drop is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at Bridgestone Arena.