Predators’ Ryan O’Reilly on Team Struggles and Personal Frustration
Ryan O’Reilly has scored six goals and totaled 10 points in 16 games with the Nashville Predators during the 2025-26 season. After the Predators' 3-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, the 17-year NHL veteran openly criticized both his performance and the team’s recent form.
O’Reilly’s Post-Game Comments
He finished the game with a goal and 18:54 of ice time but expressed deep frustration with a team that has lost 10 of its last 13 games. In the locker room, O’Reilly sharply reprimanded himself:
“I can’t make a six-foot pass to save my life… I’ve had one good year in my career.”
He reflected on the game:
“We had a chance to take full control of the game and we didn’t, we let them back in and they pushed back. For myself, (a) number-one center, I turned the puck over everywhere. I can’t make a six-foot pass to save my life. We’re not going to have much success if I’m playing pathetic like that.”
O’Reilly admitted uncertainty about the future:
“I don’t know the answer. I’ve had one good year in my career … I don’t have any answers, that’s for sure.”
Offensive Zone Challenges
Asked whether the team is satisfied with its offensive zone play, O’Reilly said:
“It’s nice having the puck in the offensive zone, but when you don’t win games, it’s disappointing. I just want to win games, it’s as simple as that.”
The 34-year-old center appeared visibly upset but determined after the loss.
Summary
Ryan O’Reilly candidly acknowledged both his and the Predators’ struggles, emphasizing a strong desire to improve and win games despite uninspiring performances.