Honestly, the schedule makers knew what they were doing when they put the Edmonton Oilers in Nashville on a random Tuesday in January. Tonight, the Nashville Predators next game isn't just another notch on the 82-game belt. It's a clash of identities at Bridgestone Arena. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM CST (8:00 PM ET). If you're looking for it, you can catch the broadcast on ESPN+ or Fanduel Sports Network South.
The vibe in Smashville is... complicated right now. After a shaky start to the season that had fans checking tankathon.com for draft odds, the Preds have clawed back to a 21-20-4 record. They’re sitting 5th in the Central Division. It’s that awkward middle ground where you aren't a lock for the playoffs, but you're too good to give up.
The McDavid Shadow and the Predators Defense
Whenever Edmonton rolls into town, the conversation starts and ends with number 97. Connor McDavid has been a nightmare for Nashville. Just last week, he hung a hat trick on them in a 6-2 blowout. It was ugly. You’ve got to wonder if Andrew Brunette has spent the last 48 hours staring at tape trying to figure out how to keep his defense from turning into traffic cones.
Juuse Saros is expected to get the nod in net tonight. He's been the backbone, as per usual. Saros holds a 17-15-3 record with a 2.94 GAA. Those numbers don't scream "Vezina," but when you consider he faces the second-most shots in the league, you start to appreciate the heavy lifting he's doing. He’s going to need a masterclass performance to keep the Oilers' top-ranked power play at bay.
Edmonton comes in hot. They’ve got a four-game point streak going. They're averaging over four goals a game lately. It’s scary.
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Roster Moves and Injury Updates
There’s some movement in the lineup you should keep an eye on. Jonathan Marchessault is currently listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury. That’s a massive blow to the veteran leadership on the wing. Zachary L’Heureux is also out, which takes away some of that sandpaper and grit the Preds usually rely on to annoy opponents.
Here is what the projected lines look like for the Nashville Predators next game:
- Line 1: Michael Bunting – Ryan O’Reilly – Luke Evangelista
- Line 2: Filip Forsberg – Erik Haula – Steven Stamkos
- Line 3: Tyson Jost – Fedor Svechkov – Matthew Wood
- Line 4: Reid Schaefer – Michael McCarron – Cole Smith
The defense is leaning heavily on Roman Josi. The captain has been a workhorse, recently putting up a goal and two assists in a win against Washington. He’s paired with Perbix, followed by Skjei and Wilsby. It’s a group that has to be perfect tonight. One bad pinch and Leon Draisaitl is gone.
What the Betting Markets Are Saying
If you’re the type to put a little skin in the game, the oddsmakers aren't exactly sold on a Nashville victory. Edmonton is the road favorite at -121 on the moneyline. Nashville is sitting at +100. Basically, it’s a coin flip that slightly favors the guys with the explosive offense.
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The over/under is set at 6.5. Given how these two teams have played lately, the "Over" feels like a tempting play. Nashville’s goal differential is -23, which is... not great. They score 125 goals but have allowed 148. That's the definition of "trading chances," and you usually don't want to trade chances with McDavid.
Why This Game Matters for the Trade Deadline
We’re deep enough into January that Barry Trotz has to be making some tough phone calls. The Preds are just one point out of a wild card spot, but the Western Conference is a total logjam. There are six teams within four points of each other.
If Nashville wins tonight, the "buyer" narrative stays alive. If they get blown out again like they did last week, the rumors about moving veterans like Ryan O'Reilly or Steven Stamkos will only get louder. Stamkos just hit his 600th career goal and has been on a tear with 10 goals in his last 10 games. Teams would pay a king's ransom for that kind of production in a playoff race.
Keys to the Game
- Stay out of the box. Edmonton has the best power play in the league (33.9%). Giving them 5-on-4 time is essentially asking to lose.
- O'Reilly vs. McDavid. Ryan O'Reilly was brought here for this exact reason. He needs to win the faceoffs and be the blanket that smothers Edmonton's top line.
- Secondary Scoring. Forsberg and Stamkos will do their thing. But guys like Luke Evangelista (who leads the team with 25 assists) need to find the back of the net themselves.
Taking Action: How to Prepare for Puck Drop
If you’re heading to Bridgestone Arena, it’s Dierks Bentley Bobblehead Night. Get there early. The doors usually open 90 minutes before puck drop, and those bobbleheads won't last.
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For those watching from home:
- Stream: Log into ESPN+ or use Fubo if you’re in-market.
- Radio: Tune into 102.5 The Game for the local call if you’re stuck in Nashville traffic.
- Monitor the Lineup: Check social media about 30 minutes before the game. If Marchessault makes a surprise return, the odds will shift fast.
The Nashville Predators next game is a litmus test. It's a chance to prove the early-season slump is truly over and that they can hang with the heavyweights of the West. If they can’t find a way to slow down the Oilers tonight, the rest of January is going to feel very long for the Smashville faithful.
Stay updated on the live box score and injury reports as they trickle in throughout the afternoon. This is where the season either stabilizes or starts to slide toward a deadline firesale.