The Florida Panthers (34-21-3) head to Bridgestone Arena to face the Nashville Predators (20-29-7) in what appears to be a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions.
The Panthers, currently holding the second-best record in the Atlantic Division, have been particularly impressive on defense, allowing just five goals in their last three games while maintaining a solid 3.26 goals per game offensive output.
The Predators, meanwhile, have struggled mightily this season, winning only three of their last ten games and managing just two goals in their previous two outings.
Sam Reinhart and Aleksander Barkov have been dominant forces for Florida, combining for 45 goals and 69 assists, while Nashville's Filip Forsberg and Jonathan Marchessault have produced 39 goals and 59 assists in what has been a challenging season for the Predators' offense.
The contrast between Florida's stingy 2.88 goals against average and Nashville's defensive struggles, allowing 3.30 goals per game, could prove decisive in this cross-conference matchup.
As these teams prepare to face off at Bridgestone Arena, the question remains whether the Predators can find a way to contain Florida's potent offense while jumpstarting their own scoring efforts against one of the league's most formidable defensive units.
Nashville Predators vs. Florida Panthers prediction: who will win?
For tonight's Nashville Predators vs Florida Panthers matchup, our predictive model gives the Panthers a 57.5% chance of defeating the Preds.
Pre-game probabilities
Florida Panthers
Moneyline
Win %
57.5%
42.5%
Nashville Predators
Florida Panthers: 57.5% win probability
- Potent offense (193 goals scored, 3rd highest in Eastern Conference)
- Strong position in standings (3rd in Atlantic Division with 71 points)
- Positive recent form (LWWLW in last 5 games)
Nashville Predators: 42.5% win probability
- Poor defensive record (185 goals against, 7th worst in Western Conference)
- Struggling offense (146 goals scored, 3rd lowest in Central Division)
- Poor overall record (20 wins in 56 games, 14th in Western Conference)
At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model combines insights from top NHL experts. Instead of sifting through hundreds of expert analyses across the web, you can rely on our predictions to understand the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing predictions, data, and opinions, and our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. We then average these levels to produce an 'expert opinion' win probability—reflecting the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NHL experts..
| Nashville Predators | Florida Panthers | |
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Nashville Predators vs. Florida Panthers preview
The Florida Panthers (34-21-3) head to Bridgestone Arena to face the struggling Nashville Predators (20-29-7) in what appears to be a lopsided matchup between two teams on opposite trajectories.
The Panthers, currently holding the second-best record in the Atlantic Division, have been showcasing exceptional defensive prowess, allowing only five goals in their last three games while maintaining a solid 2.88 goals-against average for the season.
Florida's dynamic duo of Sam Reinhart and Aleksander Barkov has been instrumental in their success, combining for an impressive 45 goals and 69 assists to lead the team's offensive charge that averages 3.26 goals per game.
The Panthers' blue line has been equally impressive, with Gustav Forsling and Aaron Ekblad contributing both defensively and offensively, accumulating 16.7 defensive point shares while adding 11 goals and 36 assists from the point.
In contrast, the Predators have been experiencing a season to forget, managing only three wins in their last ten games and struggling to find offensive rhythm with a mere 2.59 goals per game average.
Nashville's defensive woes are equally concerning, allowing 3.30 goals per game despite the efforts of veterans Brady Skjei and Roman Josi, who have combined for 14.1 defensive point shares.
The goaltending matchup could prove decisive, with Florida's Spencer Knight (.906 save percentage) showing better form than Nashville's Juuse Saros, who has posted a .900 save percentage and a concerning -1.9 goals saved above average.
While Filip Forsberg and Jonathan Marchessault have been bright spots for Nashville with their combined 39 goals and 59 assists, the team's overall offensive struggles suggest they'll have their work cut out against Florida's formidable defense.
Given the Panthers' recent defensive excellence, allowing only three goals in their last five games, and the Predators' offensive struggles, scoring just two goals in their previous two matches, this contest could well be a low-scoring affair dominated by the visiting Panthers.
Nashville Predators vs. Florida Panthers form
Nashville Predators vs. Florida Panthers head to head
Nashville Predators
17%
Florida Panthers
83%
Nov 8, 2024
Florida Panthers
6 : 2
Nashville Predators
Sep 22, 2024
Florida Panthers
6 : 2
Nashville Predators
Sep 22, 2024
Florida Panthers
3 : 2
Nashville Predators
Mar 21, 2024
Florida Panthers
0 : 3
Nashville Predators
Jan 23, 2024
Nashville Predators
1 : 4
Florida Panthers
Sep 25, 2023
Florida Panthers
5 : 2
Nashville Predators
