The Blue Jackets have shown some positive signs in recent games, despite inconsistency throughout the season. They successfully completed a short three-game road trip, securing a win against the Islanders in a shootout (4:3) and pulling off a thrilling overtime victory against Vancouver (7:6), even with defensive struggles. They managed to bounce back in these matches, but their defensive issues remain a concern. Currently, Columbus sits in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, just two points behind the playoff zone, and will fight until the end of the season to secure a spot in the postseason.
Key Players:
Strengths: Strong offensive play, even with defensive challenges. Merzlikins provides stability in net, offering the team a reliable backbone. Key players like Jenner and Nyquist can carry the team in high-pressure situations.
Achievements: Despite struggles in recent seasons, Columbus remains a regular playoff contender. However, they face a tough road to the postseason this year.
The Predators are in a difficult spot this season, with no hope of making the playoffs. They’ve fallen behind by 25 points from the eighth spot in the Western Conference. After an unexpected win over Carolina, Nashville returned home but failed to deliver strong results, losing to St. Louis (2:3) and Vegas (1:3). The team has shown flashes of quality but lacks consistency, especially in attack, where they average just 2.5 goals per game.
Key Players:
Strengths: Effective power play with a 21.5% conversion rate, which can be a dangerous weapon. Leadership and experience from players like Josi and Forsberg, who can change the flow of a game at any time.
Achievements: While Nashville has been a playoff team in recent years, this season has been a tough one, and they will not make the postseason this time around, limiting their motivation to push for higher rankings.
Columbus has shown itself to be a more consistent and offensive team, despite defensive struggles. They have good team chemistry and can step up when needed. In contrast, Nashville has struggled with consistency and has no chance of reaching the playoffs, making their motivation questionable. Their recent performances against strong teams have been disappointing, and this trend is likely to continue in this matchup. Prediction: Columbus wins with a forecasted score of 4:2. Follow our free NHL match prediction updates and increase your winning chances.
Columbus has every chance of winning this match, given that they are playing at home and have a stronger attacking form. Nashville has been struggling in recent games and cannot boast of consistency. We expect the hosts to win with confidence, winning with a score of 4:2.
Bookmakers give odds of 2.10 for Columbus, 4.35 for a draw, and 3.07 for Nashville. Total over 5.5 goals is offered for 1.80, total under - for 2.09
