Ryan O'Reilly's power-play goal lifts the Predators to a 2-1 win over the Blue Jackets | iNFOnews.ca
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves (73) makes a save on a shot by Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault, front right, during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Ryan O’Reilly’s power-play goal lifts the Predators to a 2-1 win over the Blue Jackets

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Ryan O’Reilly scored a power-play goal early in the third period, and the Nashville Predators opened the season Thursday night by beating the Blue Jackets 2-1 and extending their home winning streak over Columbus to 10 games.

The Predators ‘ streak on home ice against Columbus dates to March 30, 2019. They are 44-6-4 in Music City against the Blue Jackets. Overall, they have 71 wins over Columbus, which ranks second only to Nashville’s 72 wins against Chicago for the most by the franchise against any opponent.

Nashville also ensured a better start after last season’s five-game skid.

O’Reilly put the Predators ahead by flipping a backhander from the side of the net over Columbus goaltender Jet Greaves off assists from Filip Forsberg and captain Roman Josi.

Michael Bunting also scored for Nashville. Juuse Saros made 37 saves, including a flurry in the final minute with the Columbus net empty.

Dmitri Voronkov had the first goal of Columbus’ 25th NHL season, and Greaves made 29 saves.

Bunting put a slap shot over Greaves’ glove 6:45 into the first period. Voronkov, who had 23 goals last season, tied it with 3:59 left in the period with a tip-in.

Columbus thought it had a 2-1 lead when Mathieu Olivier tapped in a rebound from the edge of the crease with 17.1 seconds left in the second. Nashville immediately challenged for goaltender interference, and the goal was taken off the board after review.

The Predators went 0 for 3 on the power play through two periods, including 21 seconds of a 5-on-3 in the second. O’Reilly ended that drought for a unit that ranked 18th last season just 34 seconds after Columbus forward Zach Aston-Reese went to the box for tripping.

Up next

Blue Jackets: Visit Minnesota on Saturday.

Predators: Host Utah on Saturday night.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL

Ryan O'Reilly's power-play goal lifts the Predators to a 2-1 win over the Blue Jackets | iNFOnews.ca
Nashville Predators defenseman Spencer Stastney (24) and Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) vie for the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Ryan O'Reilly's power-play goal lifts the Predators to a 2-1 win over the Blue Jackets | iNFOnews.ca
Nashville Predators left wing Michael Bunting (58) celebrates after his goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Ryan O'Reilly's power-play goal lifts the Predators to a 2-1 win over the Blue Jackets | iNFOnews.ca
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson (44) goes high on the glass while trying to check Nashville Predators right wing Joakim Kemell (25) as Blue Jackets defenseman Denton Mateychuk (5) controls the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Ryan O'Reilly's power-play goal lifts the Predators to a 2-1 win over the Blue Jackets | iNFOnews.ca
Nashville Predators defenseman Spencer Stastney (24) slips as he turns up the ice with Columbus Blue Jackets center Kent Johnson (91) following during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

Teresa M. Walker

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles