The Nashville Predators earned a much-needed win in the Western Conference playoff race last night, but most of the postgame conversation centered on Steven Stamkos’ unusual “pole jump” in the second period.
The race for the playoffs has officially begun, and it’s tight in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. After their 3–2 win over the Washington Capitals, the Predators now sit two points out of a playoff spot.
READ MORE: 2026 Olympic Hockey: Schedule, TV Times, and Rosters
On pace for 35 goals
Steven Stamkos has really picked up his scoring pace and is currently on track for 35 goals this season. He finished last night’s game with one goal and one assist. However, following the game, fans and reporters were more interested in a second-period incident in which Stamkos performed an impromptu “pole jump” off Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren’s stick.
Got stuck on a stick
Late in the second period, Stamkos was in on a breakaway and skating toward the Capitals’ net when Lindgren charged out of his crease to poke the puck away. Lindgren’s stick accidentally caught Steven Stamkos between the legs, sending him somersaulting over the goaltender. Fortunately, no one was injured on the play.
Steven Stamkos ”pole vault”
After the game, Steven Stamkos had reporters laughing when asked about the incident.
“It was a good pole vault. I’ve never pole vaulted before, but as soon as I felt that stick get caught in my groin, I went up in the air. It was a little scary—you don’t want to land on your head—but no worse for the wear,” Stamkos told reporters.
You can watch the wild moment below.
READ MORE: Sidney Crosby’s warm tribute to Steven Stamkos’ 600th goal
