Luke Evangelista's "blackout" goal helps get the win over the Maple Leafs
Just three days before the Minnosota road upset, the Predators put up a strong showing against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This includes the goal of the year that will be hard to top, and that's Luke Evangelista undressing basically the entire Maple Leafs defense to score on a backhand shot.
LUKE EVANGELISTA DANCES THROUGH THE LEAFS FOR A GOAL OF THE YEAR CONTENDER 😱🤢 pic.twitter.com/rl7RL1eUwE
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) December 21, 2025
I know the Maple Leafs haven't been performing up to expectations this season, but they're still a Stanley Cup contender if they find a way into the postseason in an incredibly deep Eastern Conference.
This is an impressive win not just because of the opponent, but also because the team had to come from behind twice to tie it back up before Evangelista's insane goal where he took on the entire Maple Leafs defense.
Erik Haula would score a power play goal in this game, and Adam Wilsby would tie the game at 2-2. The Predators looked to be coasting to victory with an empty netter from Stamkos, but then Toronto made things interesting with a goal with 54 second left. It would take another empty net goal, this one from Cole Smith, to secure the win.
It would only take 19 saves from Saros, so it was an outstanding defensive performance from Nashville to beat another team that has Stanley Cup expectations.
The team also held Auston Matthews off the scoresheet and a -3 for his +/-.