Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos. Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Predators star Steven Stamkos continues career renaissance season with hat trick

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Jan 23, 2026 12:33 AM ET

The Nashville Predators can thank their grizzled veteran for snapping their mini losing skid on Thursday night. After losing back-to-back games, the Predators beat the Ottawa Senators 5-3 for their 24th win of the season.

Making the difference in the game, Steven Stamkos turned back the clock and scored a hat trick. This hat trick marked only his second of the season — his first came as part of a four-goal performance on Dec. 11.

Career-wise, Stamkos now has 16 hat tricks in total.

Steven Stamkos has rebounded after a down season in 2024-25

As far as this season, the 35-year-old Stamkos, who is in the midst of his 18th NHL season, now has 24 goals with only three multi-goal games. His 24 goals through 50 games so far put him on pace to cruise past his total from last season.

During the 2024-25 campaign, Stamkos only recorded 27 goals despite playing in all 82 games. That 27-goal season was his lowest in a year he played at least 40 games since 2017-18.

STAMMER HATTY FOR THE LEAD pic.twitter.com/wkUcQSOh6c
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) January 23, 2026

And in addition to finding his scoring touch again, Stamkos also has 12 assists for 36 points so far.

Steven Stamkos' place as a future Hall of Famer is set in stone

A career that started back in 2008 as Tampa Bay's No. 1 overall pick, Stamkos owns 606 goals, 620 assists for 1,226 points. He's a two-time Stanley Cup champion and has led the league in goals scored twice.

But of course, as nice as it is to see Stamkos drink from the fountain of youth and stave off Father Time, Predators fans want it to mean their team can get into the playoffs and make a run.

However, even after their latest victory, Nashville only sits at 24-22-4 for 52 points, which places them on the outside looking in, granted only one point away from one of the wild-card spots.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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