Predators Surge Past Flames 4-3 with Late Goal by Hague

BREAKING: The Nashville Predators clinched a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Calgary Flames on January 3, 2026, with a dramatic last-minute goal from Nicolas Hague. The game, held at the Scotiabank Saddledome, saw the Predators halt the Flames’ five-game home winning streak.

UPDATE: Michael Bunting shone with a goal and two assists, leading Nashville to victory. The Predators improved their record to 19-18-4, while the Flames fell to 18-19-4.

With just 28 seconds left in the third period, Hague delivered the game-winning slap shot, deflecting off MacKenzie Weegar during a fierce battle in front of the net. This crucial goal capped off an intense match filled with back-and-forth action.

Erik Haula also contributed significantly, scoring twice in a span of just 1 minute and 33 seconds, marking the fastest two goals by a Predators player since March 21, 2023. His exceptional performance came during his 800th NHL game.

“It’s a huge win for us,” said Predators goalie Juuse Saros, who made 20 saves in the match. “We fought hard, and it feels great to come out on top.”

The Flames managed to tie the game at 12:49 in the third period with a goal from Blake Coleman, who scored his team-leading 13th goal of the season. However, the Predators quickly regained control, showcasing their determination and skill.

Despite the loss, Flames goalie Dustin Wolf recorded 32 saves. He struggled with a costly misplay that allowed Bunting to score Nashville’s third goal, making the most of an empty net opportunity.

The game was particularly eventful for John Beecher, who, after a skirmish resulting in a roughing penalty, exited the match with an upper-body injury after a fight with Hague.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Predators will face the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday, January 5, while the Flames host the Seattle Kraken on Monday, January 4. Fans are eager to see how both teams rebound from this intense matchup.

This game highlights the fierce competition in the NHL and keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses!