Carolina Hurricanes vs Nashville Predators Picks and Predictions December 6th 2025

Last Updated on

Carolina enters Saturday sorting through a goaltending debate. Frederik Andersen remains the No. 1 on paper, but his recent stretch has complicated decisions. He is 0-4-2 in his last six starts. He acknowledged the numbers are not where they should be, yet he believes his process remains strong. The Hurricanes have three goalies on the roster. Brandon Bussi has been sharp, winning back-to-back outings last weekend, and could earn another start as Carolina opens a three-games-in-four-days stretch.

Carolina’s skaters are also fighting through a scoring lull. They have one regulation goal across their last two games. Seth Jarvis continues to drive the attack with six goals in his last six games. Their power play created clean looks Thursday but failed to convert. Coach Rod Brind’Amour emphasized the group’s effort and expects the results to come. Carolina is 14-7-2 and remains positioned near the top of the Eastern Metropolitan.

Nashville arrives in form. Thursday’s 2-1 overtime win in Florida gave them four wins in their last five games and three straight on the road. Their penalty kill has been outstanding. Their goaltending and structure have reduced breakdowns during this recent run. Their road mindset has improved and their pace and detail have elevated over the last two weeks. They have found a more sustainable game.

This homestand is critical for Carolina. This is game five of a seven-game stretch at the Lenovo Center. They need early jump. Nashville wants to control tempo and extend their surge. Both sides lean heavily on special teams to swing momentum.

See more previews at the NHL previews board.

sas logo

From Puck Drop to Final Buzzer

NHL plays updated daily

Line Movement and Odds

Hurricanes, odds pending release
Predators, odds pending release

Check updated pricing on the NHL odds page.

Ice Hockey
2025-12-18 19:10
Open
Edmonton Oilers
2 PICKS
Boston Bruins
Ice Hockey
2025-12-18 20:10
Open
New York Rangers
2 PICKS
St Louis Blues

Matchup Breakdown

Carolina overview

Carolina’s overall play has been competitive. Their challenge has been finishing chances. Their power play has struggled to cash in despite good entries and puck movement. They continue to drive play with volume and structure but lack final touch. Their goaltending picture is unsettled. Bussi provides steadiness. Andersen seeks a reset. The Hurricanes can control shot share and tempo at home, but their finishing rate must improve.

Team profile: Carolina Hurricanes page.

Nashville overview

Nashville’s penalty kill has been elite across the last two weeks. It delivered in Florida and gave them a foundation for tight road wins. Their structure has improved. Their top six has generated enough pressure to complement their defensive discipline. Their goaltending has stabilized. Their road form is trending in the right direction, and their forecheck has created sustained zone time.

Team profile: Nashville Predators page.

Injuries

Carolina

  • K’Andre Miller, Questionable, illness
  • Pyotr Kochetkov, day-to-day
  • Jesperi Kotkaniemi, IR, lower body
  • Charles-Alexis Legault, IR, hand

Nashville

  • Ozzy Wiesblatt, IR, upper body, out 8–10 weeks

Latest Betting Trends

  • Hurricanes strong at home during current homestand
  • Carolina trending under during their recent scoring dip
  • Nashville 4-1 in last five games
  • Predators penalty kill driving recent wins
  • Nashville 3-0 in last three road games
  • Carolina struggling to convert on power play

Best Bets and Prediction

Carolina’s defensive structure and puck-possession profile normally give them a strong home edge. Their finishing issues create volatility. Nashville arrives as the more consistent recent side with a penalty kill capable of changing momentum. This projects as a tight, low-event game.

Projected score: Hurricanes 3, Predators 2
Best Bet: Under (once total posts)
Side Lean: Hurricanes at home with stronger five-on-five metrics

sas logo

Unlock 5,000+ Winning Picks Every Season

Bet Smarter, Across Every League

More Resources

Evaluate more edges on the NHL picks page.
Build your approach with the NHL betting guide.
Premium selections available at the buy picks page.
See verified performance on the SAS leaderboard.

Top Winners – Yesterday
Pro Picks – James
$1,251
2. Scott’s Picks
$722
3. Tyler Williams
$500
4. Sports Central
$454
5. Madjack Sports
$382
Top Winners – This Week
Pro Picks – James
$1,220
2. Freudy Hockey
$1,133
3. Al Grant
$978
4. Jacob Hoffman
$882
5. Bobby Conn
$700
Top Winners – This Month
Sas Insider
$2,539
2. Evan Lewis
$1,704
3. Scott’s Picks
$1,345
4. Oskeim Sports
$1,180
5. Bobby Conn
$1,127