Hurricanes Surged to Defeat Predators in Greensboro
The Carolina Hurricanes completed a late comeback to beat the Nashville Predators 6-5 at First Horizon Coliseum.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Hockey
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The Carolina Hurricanes overcame a four-goal deficit to defeat the Nashville Predators 6-5 in a preseason matchup. The game-winning goal was scored with less than three seconds remaining in the third period.
Why it matters
The Nashville Predators squandered a 5-1 lead in the second period due to careless puck management and lost battles at the blue line. This collapse serves as a crucial teaching moment for the roster during the final stages of the preseason schedule.
Carolina scored three goals in the third period to erase Nashville's lead. The Hurricanes secured the win with a decisive goal scored with just three seconds left on the clock.
The players
Carolina Hurricanes
The professional ice hockey team is based in Raleigh and competes in the National Hockey League.
Nashville Predators
The professional ice hockey team is based in Nashville and competes in the National Hockey League.
The details
Nashville established an early 3-0 lead in the first period, but their momentum stalled as the team became turnover-prone later in the game. Vitali Pinchuk and Adam Edstrom made their preseason debuts for the Predators, while Jonathan Marchessault, Jack Drury, and Nic Hague served as alternate captains.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: The game was played at First Horizon Coliseum.
September 26, 2026: The Predators host a preseason finale against the Hurricanes.
September 28, 2026: The final roster submission deadline is at 4 p.m. CT.
October 1, 2026: The Nashville Predators open their regular season against Minnesota.
Season Trajectory
This preseason result forces both coaching staffs to re-evaluate their roster depth before the final cuts. The game demonstrates how late-stage preseason performance significantly dictates the competitive hierarchy for the upcoming NHL season.
The result highlights roster vulnerabilities for Nashville, specifically concerning puck management at the blue line. Management will use these final game metrics to determine the final roster spots before the October 1 regular season opener.
The takeaway
Early game leads in the preseason do not guarantee success if players remain inconsistent in puck management throughout the full sixty minutes. Teams must maintain disciplined play at the blue line to avoid late-game collapses as the regular season approaches.
What happens next
The Nashville Predators must submit their final roster by Monday, September 28, 2026, at 4 p.m. CT.
Further reading
For more news on the sport, visit the Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NHL.
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