By: Kim Smith Published 01/31/2026, 05:20 AM ET 
The Nashville Predators head to Long Island to face the New York Islanders on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in an Eastern Conference matchup at UBS Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, and the game will be televised on ESPN+. New York enters the contest as the home favorite with the Islanders listed at -135 on the moneyline. The total for this matchup is set at 5.5 goals. Be sure to check out our free NHL picks for more daily NHL betting insights and expert predictions.
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Terms & Conditions Predators Trying to Halt a Slide on the Road
Nashville comes into this matchup with a 24-23-6 overall record and has struggled to find consistency away from home, posting a 10-11-4 road record this season. The Predators have hit a rough patch recently, particularly defensively, which has led to several close losses. Over their last five games, Nashville has recently lost to New Jersey and Boston in overtime, fell to Utah and Buffalo, and picked up a home win against Ottawa. That stretch reflects a team battling hard but struggling to close out games late.
From a statistical standpoint, Nashville averages 2.83 goals per game while allowing 3.40, a gap that has been difficult to overcome, especially on the road. The Predators generate 28.2 shots per game and allow 28.9, often playing in evenly matched but high-event contests. Their power play has been productive at 21.0%, producing 33 goals with the man advantage.
Defensively, Nashville’s penalty kill sits at a respectable 80.6%, and the Predators have yet to allow a shorthanded goal this season. They have also scored four shorthanded goals, showing some aggressiveness when killing penalties. However, defensive breakdowns at even strength have been a recurring issue, particularly against teams that thrive on puck possession.
Islanders Leaning on Defense and Home Ice
New York enters Saturday’s matchup with a 30-19-5 overall record and has been strong at home, posting a 15-9-2 record at UBS Arena. The Islanders have built their success around structured defense and timely scoring, especially in divisional matchups. Over their last five games, New York has recently won twice over the Rangers and earned a road win against Philadelphia, while suffering shutout losses to Buffalo and Seattle. That stretch shows a team capable of controlling games defensively when locked in.
Offensively, the Islanders average 2.85 goals per game while allowing just 2.70, one of the better defensive marks in the conference. New York generates 27.8 shots per game and allows the same number, emphasizing balance and structure. Their power play has struggled at 16.7%, but their penalty kill has been strong at 82.3%.
Defensively, the Islanders excel at limiting high-danger chances and protecting the middle of the ice. They have allowed just 26 power play goals all season and have scored seven shorthanded goals, showing discipline and opportunism. Against a Nashville team that has struggled to finish chances, New York’s defensive approach could dictate the pace of this game.
Nashville Predators vs New York Islanders PickNashville Predators vs New York Islanders Pick
New York’s defensive structure and home-ice advantage give them the edge in this matchup. Nashville has been competitive but continues to struggle closing games, especially on the road. If the Islanders control tempo and keep this game tight, they should be able to grind out a home win.
Nashville Predators vs New York Islanders Total Pick
I’m backing the under in this matchup because both teams prefer structured, low-scoring games. New York’s defensive discipline combined with Nashville’s recent scoring struggles sets up well for a tight contest. With limited power-play production expected, this game has strong under potential.
Final Score Prediction: New York Islanders 3, Nashville Predators 2
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Friday.
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