The Nashville Predators are maintaining confidence in coach Andrew Brunette, despite a challenging 2024-25 season that saw the team miss the playoffs after a promising 2023-24 campaign. General manager Barry Trotz endorsed Brunette, highlighting his potential as a young coach and emphasizing the need for continuity in a team still adjusting to new talent from a bustling offseason that included signings like Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. After a disappointing 30-44-8 record, Trotz believes in sticking with promising coaches and players through tough times, showing faith in Brunette's ability to navigate the Predators back to success.

Brunette, who has a solid coaching record and even earned a Jack Adams Award nomination, is expected to harness the team's new talent to return Nashville to playoff contention. The Predators’ recent struggles reflect broader issues rather than a lack of talent, pointing to a need for cohesion as they look to rebuild under Brunette's guidance.

Mitch Marner recently celebrated monumental personal and professional milestones, welcoming his first child and marking his 28th birthday on the eve of the Maple Leafs' playoff series against the Florida Panthers. Marner's contributions this postseason are vital, having led the Leafs with eight points in the first round. The Maple Leafs, seeking to break a long playoff drought since 2002, face a daunting challenge from the Panthers, renowned for their grit and postseason experience.

As the series approaches, Marner's mindset is likely influenced by both his family joys and the high-stakes nature of this playoff encounter. The Maple Leafs aim to avenge past playoff exits, particularly against the Panthers, and could benefit from a focused Marner. His team, featuring strong players like John Tavares and Morgan Rielly, understands that a composed approach will be essential against a fierce opponent like Florida, known for its aggressive style.

Brady Skjei and Filip Forsberg each scored two goals as the Nashville Predators defeated the Buffalo Sabres 6-4, snapping a six-game losing streak. Jonathan Marchessault contributed with a goal and two assists, while Ryan O'Reilly recorded four assists. Justus Annunen made 25 saves to secure the win. The Sabres ended their four-game winning streak despite notable performances from Alex Tuch and Rasmus Dahlin, who both scored and assisted in the game.

The Predators jumped to a quick 2-0 lead, but the Sabres leveled the score before Forsberg and Skjei's back-to-back goals restored Nashville's lead. Though Buffalo nearly tied the game late on a potential Zach Benson goal, a successful Predators challenge revealed an offside, preserving their lead and ultimately the win.

Jiri Kulich's late goal clinched a thrilling 4-3 victory for the Buffalo Sabres against the Nashville Predators. Kulich scored twice in the game, including the decisive goal with just over two minutes remaining. The Sabres initially led 2-0 before allowing three consecutive goals from the Predators. Jason Zucker and Ryan McLeod contributed to the scoreline for Buffalo, while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 28 saves to secure the win. Nashville's Brady Skjei highlighted a losing effort with a goal and an assist as they faced their third consecutive defeat after a five-game winning streak.

Key moments included Zucker's goal that tied the game in the second period, along with significant assists from Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin, who moved into second place all-time for assists by a Sabres defenseman. The Sabres improved their record for games when scoring first, while the Predators matched their second-fewest wins through the first 50 games in franchise history. The night also saw Buffalo honor former enforcer Rob Ray, solidifying his legacy with an induction into the team’s hall of fame.