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Game Preview: Nashville Predators @ Carolina Hurricanes
The Nashville Predators visit the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in what could be a physical, low-scoring interconference tilt. Both teams are in the playoff conversation in their respective conferences and bring solid defensive metrics into this matchup.
Nashville continues to build under their new coaching regime with a defense-first identity, while Carolina looks to dominate with possession and elite shot metrics. This game is expected to test goaltending depth and special teams efficiency, key areas for bettors evaluating totals and puck line potential.
More NHL betting previews are available in the picks section.
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Odds and Key Information
Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM ET at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. Opening odds list Carolina as a home favorite at -160, while Nashville is priced at +135 on the moneyline. The puck line is Hurricanes -1.5 (+155) and Predators +1.5 (-175). The game total opened at 5.5 goals, slightly lower than the league average, with both sides at -110.
Live odds movement and updates can be tracked on the NHL odds board.
Nashville Predators Outlook
The Predators enter the contest with a 14-13-2 record, right in the middle of the Western Conference mix. They’re one of the stingier teams at 5-on-5 and have held opponents to under three goals per game over their last 10 outings.
Juuse Saros continues to provide elite-level goaltending, and the top defensive pairing of Roman Josi and Dante Fabbro anchors a blue line that limits shot quality effectively. Offensively, Filip Forsberg leads the team with 13 goals, and Nashville’s power play sits around league average at 19.2%.
To see where Nashville fits into the playoff race, explore the latest Central Division predictions.
Carolina Hurricanes Outlook
The Hurricanes are 17-10-3 and remain one of the NHL’s best in possession metrics. They rank top-five in Corsi For%, expected goals, and shots per game. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour continues to emphasize aggressive forechecking and tight neutral zone pressure.
Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov drive the offense, and Carolina’s blue line remains one of the deepest in hockey. Goaltending is their only area of inconsistency, with both Pyotr Kochetkov and Frederik Andersen posting save percentages under .910.
The Hurricanes are among the most effective home teams, especially when playing opponents outside their division. You can learn more about their divisional standing in the Metropolitan Division odds preview.
Key Matchup
This matchup may hinge on special teams. Nashville’s penalty kill has been reliable, but Carolina’s power play has been heating up, converting at 24% over their last 10 games. If the Predators take undisciplined penalties, they risk losing control of a tightly matched game.
Situational betting angles like these are covered in our full NHL betting guide.
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Betting Trends
Nashville has hit the under in 7 of its last 9 games, especially when Saros starts and the opponent plays a low-risk system. Carolina has gone under in 5 of its last 6 home games. Both teams also trend toward low first-period scoring, making live unders or alternative totals worth consideration.
To learn more about total betting angles, check out this alternate total points guide.
Projected Score and Final Picks
Projected Score: Carolina 3, Nashville 2
Best Bet: Under 5.5 (-110)
Moneyline Lean: Carolina Hurricanes ML (-160)
Why You Need Expert Picks
This is a game that will tempt public action on the favorite but presents better value in alternate lines or totals. That’s where expert handicappers add real value—breaking down pace, metrics, and situational form.
Check out the Handicappers Leaderboard to see who’s performing best in NHL this month. Then, use tools like the moneyline betting breakdown, unit management, and this guide on sports betting for beginners to build your strategy.
