Welcome back to a post-Olympic edition of NHL Predictions! In this matchup, the Chicago Blackhawks head to Music City to take on the Nashville Predators. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey analyze the day’s games and provide in-depth analysis. We break down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then make predictions based on how they might play out. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.

NHL Predictions: Chicago Blackhawks vs Nashville Predators

Time: 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Season Series: Series tied 1-1

How to Watch TV: ESPN+, CHSN, FDSN SO

Location: Bridgestone Arena

Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks look to start the final stretch of the season on a good note against Roman Josi and the Nashville Predators.

In the first two matchups between these two teams, Connor Bedard, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Ryan Greene led the offensive charge, each with two points. Nick Lardis netted a goal in the most recent game, while Greene, Ryan Donato and Teuvo Teravainen scored in the first meeting. In net, Arvid Soderblom took the loss back in November, while Drew Commesso registered a 36-save shutout for his first career win. For the Predators, Ryan O’Reilly, Steven Stamkos and Luke Evangelista each had two points in the team’s victory, with Matthew Wood netting the fourth goal of that win. Juuse Saros was between the pipes for both of the games and should be in the crease in this one.

Blackhawks Hoping for Good Start to Post-Olympic Stretch

As of the start of this game, the Hawks sit ten points out of a playoff spot. It is an uphill battle to get into the postseason, and the team has some work to do in order to get back on the right track. For starters, aside from Wyatt Kaiser, the team is fully healthy. Nick Foligno and Frank Nazar are back in the lineup, while no one else is on the shelf. As the Hawks have slipped down the standings, the team’s inconsistent lineup has hindered them. Moving forward, the Hawks’ lineup is looking to build some consistent chemistry.

Moving into this stretch of the season, Andre Burakovsky is looking to get back to his scoring ways after going pointless in the last eight games before the break. Donato, Jason Dickinson and Ilya Mikheyev started to bring more production, along with their elite penalty-killing prowess. That unit is going to be a key if the Hawks are going to string wins together. Defensively, Sam Rinzel excelled in three games after being recalled from Rockford. He took the place of a scratched Artyom Levshunov, who needed some time to sit. Rinzel played well over 20 minutes per game and showed every aspect of what makes him so highly touted. Both Rinzel and Levshunov should be back in the lineup against the Preds. In the net, Spencer Knight should get the nod.

Predators Right in the Thick of Playoff Race

Contrary to the Hawks, and somewhat surprisingly, Nashville is just four points out of a wild-card spot. The team limped into the break with a 3-4-3 record in their last ten, and could use a big win here. Among much trade speculation, Nashville’s veterans have stepped up in a big way. Ryan O’Reilly leads the way with 56 points in 57 games, while Swedish Olympian Filip Forsberg is second on the team with 24 goals. Leading the way, after a tough start to the season, Steven Stamkos is up to 28 goals. He continues to be an elite factor on the power play, a dangerous unit that the Hawks will have to shut down.

The Preds also come into this one with a clean bill of health. Captain Roman Josi missed some time earlier in the year, but he and his 39 points will look to help carry this team into the postseason. Jonathan Marchessault is also in the lineup after missing some time around the New Year. In the net, Nashville has surprisingly not gotten the elite play that they are used to. Juuse Saros has faced the most shots in the league, but only generated an .892 save percentage. His backup, Justus Annunen‘s .884 save percentage, has not been much better. Saros will likely be between the pipes tonight, and his elite play is going to be necessary for the Preds moving forward.

As always, be sure to check social media before puck drop for lineups and starting goaltender information. 

Game Prediction

Both teams come into this game completely healthy, but Nashville should have a sense of urgency on home ice. Expect the Preds to pull out a close one.

Prediction: Predators win 3-2

Prop Bets

The Preds are -182 on the moneyline, if you would like to tail our prediction. Additionally, the under 5.5 total is at +106, which we think is a nice value.

Main Photo: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

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