- Matchup: Columbus Blue Jackets vs Nashville Predators
- Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
- Venue: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN
- Broadcast: Fanduel Sports Network South
- Betting Odds: Blue Jackets (-196) Predators (+162)
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On Thursday, Bridgestone Arena will witness the Nashville Predators (30-44-8 last season) face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets (40-33-9 last season). The betting odds show Columbus favored at -196, while Nashville is at +162. The total for the game is set at 6.
The Columbus Blue Jackets came off a strong performance, defeating the Islanders with a score of 6-1 in their last game. They showcased an impressive offensive display, scoring 6 goals from 26 shots. Although they had 1 power play opportunity, they were unable to convert. In this matchup, Columbus was whistled for 2 penalty minutes.
Last season, Columbus opponents had 217 power play opportunities (ranking 20th in the league) and managed to score on 50 of those chances. Columbus faced 2,453 shots against them, achieving a save percentage of .891. They took 2,382 shots with an 11.2% shooting percentage. At even strength, the Blue Jackets conceded 217 goals while scoring 231. They capitalized on 36 goals during their 185 power plays, yielding a success rate of 19.46%. The Blue Jackets ended the season with 89 points, giving them a points percentage of .543, while they scored 267 goals (ranked 8th in the NHL) and conceded the same amount.
The netminder for this matchup will be Elvis Merzlikins. Throughout his professional career, he has achieved 110 quality starts, holding a quality starts percentage of .480. His career save percentage stands at .902 over 10,582 minutes of play. Merzlikins has faced 7,376 shots and made 6,650 saves. He has allowed 726 goals, resulting in a goals against average of 4.12. With a record of 94 wins, 100 losses, and 35 overtime losses, he has started in 229 games and appeared in 244 contests during his career.
In their last outing, the Nashville Predators faced the Stars, winning decisively with a score of 5-1. They powered through, scoring 5 goals from 34 shots on goal and converting on 1 out of 4 power play opportunities.
The Predators tallied 162 goals at even strength and 50 goals on the power play (ranked 16th in the league). They took 2,403 shots (9th in the NHL) with a shooting percentage of 8.82%, while allowing the opposition 2,342 shots. Nashville concluded last season with 212 goals, amassing 68 points and a points percentage of .415. They conceded a total of 274 goals: 229 at even strength and 45 while shorthanded. Nashville had 229 power play opportunities, resulting in a conversion rate of 21.83%, while their penalty kill percentage was 81.48% against 243 power play attempts, coupled with a save percentage of 88.3%.
Juuse Saros will guard the net for Nashville. He faces an average of 3.11 goals per game and has conceded a total of 1,045 goals during his career. His quality starts percentage is 58.8%, with 230 quality starts to his name. Saros has played 391 games, logging 20,185 minutes in goal. Holding a career record of 202 wins, 150 losses, and 38 overtime losses, he has appeared in 408 games and has registered 11,130 saves on 12,175 shots, resulting in a save percentage of .914.
Which team will emerge victorious in tonight’s NHL clash against the spread or moneyline?
Recommendation: Bet on Columbus (-196)
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