Stamkos Lifts Predators in OT Against Penguins in 2025 Global Series Stockholm

The NHL Global Series delivered one of its most dramatic moments in Stockholm as the Nashville Predators staged a stunning comeback to defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1 in overtime at the Avicii Arena. Steven Stamkos emerged as the hero, scoring just 44 seconds into the extra frame to snap Nashville’s five-game losing streak and hand Pittsburgh their third consecutive loss. The game, played before an enthusiastic Swedish crowd on November 14, 2025, showcased the resilience of a Predators team desperate to turn their season around and the continued struggles of a Penguins squad that couldn’t hold onto a third-period lead.

The Predators vs Penguins 2025 Global Series Stockholm overtime thriller had all the makings of a classic international showcase. With Sweden native Filip Forsberg tying the game with 1:10 remaining in regulation—pulling his goaltender for the extra attacker—and Stamkos delivering the knockout punch moments into overtime, Nashville demonstrated the kind of fight that had been missing during their recent skid. For Pittsburgh, it was another heartbreaking loss in a stretch that has seen them collect just two points from their last six games.

How the Predators vs Penguins 2025 Global Series Stockholm overtime unfolded

The opening period set the tone for what would become a defensive chess match between two teams searching for answers. Both squads managed eight shots through 20 minutes, with neither able to establish sustained offensive pressure. Juuse Saros looked sharp from the opening face-off, turning aside several dangerous chances as Pittsburgh controlled early possession. The Penguins’ experience showed as they managed the neutral zone effectively, limiting Nashville’s transition opportunities and keeping the Predators’ skilled forwards at bay.

Each team received a power-play opportunity in the first frame, though neither could capitalize. The scoreless period reflected two teams playing cautiously on international ice, aware that mistakes would be magnified in the unique atmosphere of the Global Series. The defensive structure from both sides suggested coaches had emphasized protecting leads once established, a strategy that would prove prophetic as the game wore on.

The tight-checking affair left fans wanting more offense, but the goaltending excellence from both Saros and Arturs Silovs kept spectators engaged. Silovs, making his case as a reliable option for the Penguins, showed excellent positioning and rebound control. The Latvian netminder’s presence gave Pittsburgh confidence as they headed into the middle frame looking to open the scoring.

Second period dominance meets opportunistic Pittsburgh scoring

The second period belonged almost entirely to Nashville in terms of possession and shot generation, yet it was Pittsburgh who struck gold. The Predators dominated territorially, outshooting the Penguins 12-2 in the frame and creating several high-danger chances. Justin Barron had the clearest opportunity when he stepped out of the penalty box and was sprung on a breakaway, but Silovs made a spectacular sprawling save with his left pad to preserve the scoreless tie.

That save proved crucial as Evgeni Malkin scored what would be Pittsburgh’s only goal of the night at 13:49 of the second period. The veteran Russian center attempted a centring pass from behind the net that deflected off Michael McCarron’s stick and bounced past Saros for his fourth goal of the season. It was Pittsburgh’s second shot of the period, exemplifying the kind of opportunistic scoring that has defined Malkin’s Hall-of-Fame career. The goal gave the Penguins a 1-0 lead despite being thoroughly outplayed in the frame.

Nashville’s frustration mounted as Silovs continued to stonewall their attempts. The Predators had earlier been denied on a short-handed breakaway by Erik Haula in the first period, when Silovs made a right pad save at 8:51. Now, with shot totals reaching 20-10 in Nashville’s favor through 40 minutes, they headed to the dressing room trailing by a goal and wondering how many more chances they would need to beat the hot Penguins goaltender.

The dominance without reward scenario has plagued many teams throughout NHL history, and the Predators entered the third period knowing they needed to maintain their pressure while finding a way to solve Silovs. For fans following the NHL Global Series Sweden 2025, the setup for a dramatic finish was complete.

The Predators vs Penguins 2025 Global Series Stockholm overtime drama builds

The third period saw Nashville continue to press, but Silovs remained equal to the task. Pittsburgh’s defensive structure, built around protecting their goaltender and collapsing in front of the net, frustrated the Predators’ offensive schemes. As the clock ticked down, Nashville coach Andrew Brunette faced a critical decision about when to pull his goaltender for an extra attacker. With the team’s season beginning to slip away amid a five-game winless streak, the pressure intensified with each passing minute.

With 1:10 remaining on the clock, Brunette made the call, and the Predators went all-in for the equalizer. The gamble paid off almost immediately when Filip Forsberg, playing in front of his home country crowd, jumped on a loose puck following a face-off win by Sidney Crosby. The Swedish star’s backhand shot from outside the crease beat Silovs blocker-side, sending the Avicii Arena into pandemonium and breathing life into Nashville’s season.

Forsberg’s goal was particularly meaningful given his Swedish heritage. Born in Östervala, Sweden, the 30-year-old winger has been a cornerstone of the Predators’ franchise since arriving in 2012. His clutch tying goal demonstrated why Nashville invested heavily in him, and it gave the struggling Predators new hope entering overtime. The momentum had completely shifted, and Pittsburgh now faced the prospect of letting another lead slip away.

The equalizer also highlighted the importance of face-off execution and second-chance opportunities. While Crosby won the draw for Pittsburgh, Forsberg’s anticipation and quick reaction allowed him to capitalize on the loose puck. These split-second plays often determine outcomes in tight playoff-style games, and the Global Series atmosphere added extra weight to every decision.

Stamkos delivers in the Predators vs Penguins 2025 Global Series Stockholm overtime

The overtime period barely had time to settle before Steven Stamkos struck. Just 43 seconds into the three-on-three session, the two-time Stanley Cup champion showcased why Nashville signed him as a prized free agent in the offseason. Racing up the ice on a rush, Stamkos walked into the right face-off circle and unleashed a snap shot that beat Silovs clean over the shoulder for his fourth goal of the season. The building erupted as Nashville players mobbed their captain, celebrating a victory that could serve as a turning point in their campaign.

Stamkos’s winner exemplified his release and shooting accuracy that have made him one of the generation’s elite goal scorers. Despite battling through an inconsistent start to his Predators career, the 34-year-old veteran showed his big-game pedigree on the international stage. His ability to maintain composure and pick his spot in a high-pressure situation demonstrated the intangibles that Nashville’s management hoped to acquire when they brought him aboard.

For Pittsburgh, the loss extended a troubling trend of blown leads and missed opportunities. The Penguins have now lost three straight games and five of their last six, collecting just two points during that stretch. Their inability to close out a game they largely controlled until the final two minutes reflects deeper issues with defensive zone execution and goaltender support. While Silovs played excellently with 28 saves on 30 shots for a .933 save percentage, Pittsburgh’s offense managed just 17 shots total, far too few to win consistently at the NHL level.

The victory improved Nashville’s record to 6-9-4, while Pittsburgh fell to 9-5-4. Both teams will run it back on Sunday, November 16, in the second game of the Global Series doubleheader at the same venue. The rematch promises high drama as both squads look to build—or recover—from this emotional contest.

Key performances and statistics from Stockholm

Juuse Saros earned the victory for Nashville with 16 saves on 17 shots, posting a .941 save percentage despite facing limited volume. The Finnish netminder made several crucial stops early when Pittsburgh controlled play, keeping his team within striking distance until the offense found its rhythm. Saros’s calm demeanor under pressure has been a constant for the Predators during this difficult stretch, and his performance in Stockholm reminded everyone why Nashville considers him one of the league’s elite goaltenders.

Arturs Silovs deserved a better fate after stopping 28 of 30 shots for a .933 save percentage. His breakaway save on Justin Barron in the second period was the highlight-reel moment that kept Pittsburgh ahead, demonstrating excellent lateral movement and recovery speed. The 24-year-old backup has given the Penguins quality starts when called upon, though the team’s offensive struggles have made it difficult for him to collect wins despite strong personal performances.

The shot differential told much of the story, with Nashville outshooting Pittsburgh 30-17 for the game and holding a staggering 12-2 advantage in the second period. However, the game also reinforced the old hockey axiom that goalies can steal games—or in this case, keep teams competitive despite being outplayed. The contrast between shot volume and outcome reflects the importance of finishing chances and capitalizing on limited opportunities.

Special teams played a muted role, with both teams going 0-for-1 on power plays. The game’s five-on-five structure emphasized defensive responsibility and structure, characteristics often associated with playoff hockey. For anyone wondering about the pre-game analysis, the Penguins vs Predators 2025 Stockholm Global Series preview accurately predicted a tight, low-scoring affair between two teams desperate for positive results.

What the Predators vs Penguins 2025 Global Series Stockholm overtime means moving forward

This victory could serve as the catalyst Nashville desperately needed to salvage their season. After stumbling through a 0-3-2 stretch that saw confidence waning and questions mounting about roster construction, the Predators showed resilience and character in the face of adversity. Winning after trailing late is often considered a sign of mental toughness, and Nashville will hope this experience translates into improved performance when they return to North America.

The contributions from key veterans like Forsberg and Stamkos provide a blueprint for success. When Nashville’s stars perform at an elite level and Saros provides steady goaltending, the team has the ingredients necessary to compete with anyone. The challenge will be maintaining this standard consistently rather than experiencing the peaks and valleys that have characterized their season to date. Management invested heavily in transforming this roster, and performances like this justify that faith.

For Pittsburgh, the loss raises concerning questions about their ability to protect leads and generate consistent offense. The Penguins managed just two shots in the second period and seventeen total for the game, troubling numbers for any team with championship aspirations. While injuries and roster turnover have impacted their depth, stars like Crosby and Malkin need more support from secondary scoring sources. The team’s 1-3-2 record over their last six games suggests systemic issues beyond simple bad luck.

The Global Series atmosphere provided both teams a unique opportunity to showcase NHL hockey to European fans and potentially gain valuable cultural experiences. However, the competitive realities remain paramount—Nashville needed points desperately, and Pittsburgh needed to halt their slide. The overtime thriller delivered entertainment value while addressing Nashville’s needs more than Pittsburgh’s.

As both teams prepare for Sunday’s rematch, adjustments will be key. Pittsburgh must find ways to generate more offensive volume and sustain pressure in the attacking zone. Nashville will look to build on this emotional victory while maintaining the intensity that characterized their performance after falling behind. With both franchises facing critical junctures in their seasons, the second game of this Global Series doubleheader carries significant implications for momentum and confidence heading into the long grind of an NHL regular season.

The NHL’s official game recap and coverage from The Hockey Writers provided extensive details on this memorable contest. The Predators vs Penguins 2025 Global Series Stockholm overtime classic will be remembered as a potential turning point for Nashville and a missed opportunity for Pittsburgh, with the rematch offering both teams a chance to cement their respective narratives in front of the international audience that makes these Global Series events special showcases for the sport.