One of the Predators’ many problems last season was that, all too often, they failed to save their best for last.

Third periods were a problem for the Preds, who were outscored 95-69 over the last 20 minutes of games in 2024-25, a minus-26 goal differential that was third worst in the NHL.

All too often, the Predators trailed in third periods, which led to taking too many chances, which in turn resulted in the team surrendering too many high-quality opportunities.

“I think last year we would try to force something,” Predators center Ryan O’Reilly said, “or we got caught on our heels a bit.”

So here were the Preds in their season opener Thursday, heading into the final 20 minutes tied 1-1.

Columbus had controlled the majority of play through the first two periods, outshooting Nashville

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