Wild Predators season opener: dominant 3-1 win in Nashville

Dustin Judge
Wild Predators season opener: Minnesota’s Nick Foligno celebrates a goal against Colorado in the 2026 playoffs

Blake Coleman scored the game-winning power-play goal in his Minnesota debut, and the Wild beat the Nashville Predators 3-1 on Thursday night at Bridgestone Arena. This Wild Predators season opener recap covers how Minnesota controlled the first period and held on.

Wild Predators season opener: how Minnesota won

Nick Foligno scored at 9:35 of the first period on a rebound in the high slot, and Coleman made it 2-0 at 13:48 on the power play with an assist from Bobby Brink, according to NHL.com’s recap. A Predators goal by Yakov Trenin late in the period was overturned because of goaltender interference on Ryan Hartman.

Roman Josi cut it to 2-1 with a slap shot at 9:23 of the second period, assisted by Filip Forsberg. Kirill Kaprizov tipped in a Quinn Hughes shot at 4:42 of the third for the final margin.

Goaltending and special teams

Goaltending decided the Wild Predators season opener late. Jesper Wallstedt stopped 19 of 20 shots for Minnesota. Juuse Saros made 27 saves on 30 shots for Nashville, which went 0 for 4 on the power play, The Associated Press reported.

Wild coach John Hynes said he liked the way his team handled pressure. “I thought we managed the puck well,” he said. Predators coach Andrew Brunette pointed to penalties: “They’re calls that are going to happen if you’re reckless with your stick.”

What it means

The Wild Predators season opener was the first game for Coleman, acquired from Calgary on July 2 for three draft picks and defenseman Jake Middleton, and he scored. Forsberg extended his streak to 11 straight season openers with at least one point, the AP said.

Minnesota hosts Boston on Saturday in its home opener, and Nashville plays Dallas the same day. For more on this matchup, read our Wild vs. Predators preview and our look at Zach Hyman’s injury.

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.