SAN JOSE, Calif. — Kieffer Bellows made a triumphant return to the NHL scoresheet after nearly two years by netting a crucial goal to lead the Nashville Predators to a 3-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night.
Filip Forsberg played a vital role with one goal and an assist, while Steven Stamkos also contributed a goal, helping Nashville extend their winning streak to four games. The efforts of goaltender Juuse Saros, who made 25 saves, were instrumental in maintaining the team’s momentum.
In response, San Jose’s Patrick Giles and Collin Graf managed to level the scoreboard in the third period. Sharks’ goalie Alexandar Georgiev recorded 16 saves, but the team suffered its third consecutive defeat.
Bellows’ decisive goal, which broke the tie at 6:32 in the third period, marked his first since March 25, 2023, when he played for the New York Islanders. Forsberg and Stamkos both found the net with power-play goals in the opening period, granting Nashville a 2-0 advantage.
The Sharks managed a quick comeback in the third, as Giles and Graf scored 14 seconds apart to bring the game level. However, this effort couldn’t shield them from eventual defeat.
For the Predators, the current winning streak is their longest since a similar stretch from January 14 to 23. San Jose, struggling at the bottom of the league standings with just 43 points, has lost 11 of their last 13 games (2-8-3).
A pivotal moment in the match came just over two minutes after Graf’s equalizer. Forsberg intercepted a play behind the Sharks’ net, falling yet still managing to pass the puck to Bellows, who deftly maneuvered around to score the game-winning goal.
The Predators’ prowess in special teams was a defining factor, as they converted two of five power plays while successfully killing off both penalties they faced.
Next on the schedule, Nashville is set to visit Anaheim on Friday, while San Jose will look to rebound when they host Chicago on Thursday.
