The Nashville Predators are looking to rebound at Bridgestone Arena against a Utah Hockey Club squad that's battling for playoff positioning, with both teams coming off a 3-3 tie in their previous meeting.
Karel Vejmelka's performance between the pipes for Utah could be the difference-maker against Juuse Saros, especially considering Nashville's struggling defense that has surrendered 261 goals this season compared to Utah's 235.
The desperate Predators (+106) need to capitalize on home ice advantage and improve their anemic 8.66% shooting percentage if they hope to upset a more consistent Utah Hockey Club (-128) on Monday night.
Nashville Predators vs. Utah prediction: who will win?
For today's Nashville Predators vs Utah matchup, our predictive model gives the Utah a 64.5% chance of defeating the Predators.
Pre-game probabilities
Nashville Predators
Moneyline
Win %
35.5%
64.5%
Utah
Nashville Predators: 35.5% win probability
- Poor defensive record (266 goals against, among the worst in the conference)
- Significantly negative goal differential (-60, compared to Utah's -9)
- Inconsistent recent form (LWWLL indicates struggle to maintain momentum)
Utah: 64.5% win probability
- Superior win record (37 wins vs. Nashville's 29 wins)
- Better goal scoring ability (233 goals for vs. Nashville's 206)
- Higher position in standings (11th in Western Conference vs. Nashville's 14th)
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.
Best NHL sportsbook promos
Nashville Predators vs. Utah preview
The Nashville Predators host the Utah Hockey Club at Bridgestone Arena in a rematch of their recent 3-3 tie where both teams showed flashes of offensive potential but couldn't secure the win.
Utah enters this matchup with a respectable 36-30-13 record and 85 points (.538 points percentage), while Nashville has struggled this season at 29-42-8 with just 66 points (.418).
The goaltending battle will feature Karel Vejmelka for Utah, who brings a career .900 save percentage but has faced criticism for inconsistency, against Nashville's Juuse Saros who boasts an impressive .914 career save percentage and over 200 wins.
Special teams could be decisive - Utah's power play has been clicking at 22.77% this season while Nashville isn't far behind at 21.72%, though the Predators' penalty kill (81.30%) gives them a slight edge in that department.
Don't sleep on Utah's offense despite ranking 21st in goals scored (227), as they've managed to put up an impressive 2,246 shots on goal this season.
Nashville has actually outshot Utah this season (2,321 shots, 6th in hockey) but their finishing has let them down with just an 8.66% shooting percentage compared to Utah's 10.1%.
After splitting points in their last encounter, expect both teams to push for a regulation win, with Utah slight favorites at -128 on the moneyline.
The cozy confines of Bridgestone Arena might just give the struggling Predators the boost they need to pull off the upset, though they'll need to shore up their even-strength defense that's leaked 218 goals this season.
Betting on the NHL?
Sporting Post is your trusted guide for NHL betting. We offer expert NHL predictions, top NHL picks, and the latest NHL odds. Our analysis and real-time insights help you make smart, confident bets. Make sure to use the best sportsbooks, sports betting apps, and betting sites. We've reviewed and tested the best NHL betting sites here.