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Nashville Predators vs Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview
The Nashville Predators open their 2025-26 season at home Thursday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets in an intriguing East vs. West matchup at Bridgestone Arena. Puck drop is set for 8:00 PM ET on ESPN+. Both clubs missed the playoffs last season but enter the new campaign with renewed optimism and key lineup changes — including the NHL debut of 18-year-old Brady Martin, Nashville’s fifth overall pick in the 2025 draft.
Smarter Picks, Better Results
Today’s Plays. Tomorrow’s Profits.
The Predators enter as -123 favorites on the moneyline, with Columbus priced at +104. The total sits at 6.0 goals, shaded slightly to the over (-113).
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Line Movement and Odds
Nashville opened at -120 and has remained steady with balanced action on both sides. Early splits show 54% of bets backing the Predators, while 57% of sharp money favors Columbus as a live road dog. The total opened at 6.0 and has seen light over action, though early-season matchups like this one often trend under as teams work out timing and chemistry.
“He’s earned it,” Predators coach Andrew Brunette said of rookie Brady Martin. “It was hard not to have him on that line. He’s come in and proven he can play with our top guys.”
Matchup Breakdown
Columbus Blue Jackets Outlook
The Blue Jackets defied expectations last year, finishing 40-33-9 and remaining in playoff contention until the final week despite the tragic offseason loss of Johnny Gaudreau. Coach Dean Evason has emphasized tighter road play after the team went 14-23-4 away from home. Zach Werenski, last season’s breakout star and Norris Trophy runner-up, led Columbus with 82 points and will once again quarterback the offense. Kirill Marchenko (31 goals) brings goal-scoring punch, and promising young forwards like Kent Johnson could take steps forward.
In goal, Elvis Merzlikins is expected to get the start after stopping 20 of 22 shots in the preseason finale. His consistency will be crucial against a Nashville offense that often plays heavy, low-slot hockey.
Nashville Predators Outlook
The Predators are banking on a mix of veteran firepower and youthful energy to rebound from last year’s 30-44-8 campaign. Brady Martin, the No. 5 overall pick, will make his NHL debut centering top wingers Filip Forsberg (76 points) and Ryan O’Reilly (53 points) — a sign of Nashville’s commitment to accelerating his development. Veteran additions Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault bolster a forward group that underperformed early last season.
Defensively, Roman Josi anchors the blue line and remains one of the league’s top two-way defensemen. Goaltender Juuse Saros, who posted 20 wins and 4 shutouts last year, gives Nashville a clear edge in net. The Preds’ challenge will be turning solid goaltending into consistent wins after ranking 26th in goals per game a year ago.
Injuries and Conditions
| Nashville Predators | Columbus Blue Jackets |
|---|---|
| F Luke Evangelista – Out (upper body) | G Elvis Merzlikins – Probable starter |
| D Nicolas Hague – Out (lower body) | F Patrik Laine – Out (rehab, upper body) |
| F Brady Martin – Expected NHL debut | F Adam Fantilli – Probable (conditioning) |
| G Juuse Saros – Expected starter | G Jet Greaves – Backup goaltender |
| Nashville Predators Injury Report | Columbus Blue Jackets Injury Report |
Weather: Indoors at Bridgestone Arena — no weather impact.
Best Bets and Prediction
This season opener features two hungry teams looking to reset the tone. Columbus brings speed and offensive depth, but Nashville’s experience, home-ice edge, and goaltending advantage tilt the balance. Expect the Predators to feed off the energy of a packed Bridgestone Arena and secure a narrow win.
Pick: Predators Moneyline (-123)
Projected Final Score: Predators 3, Blue Jackets 2
Lean: Under 6.0 (-108)
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| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best Bet | Predators ML (-123) |
| Confidence Rating | ★★★★☆ |
| Projected Score | Predators 3, Blue Jackets 2 |
| Total Lean | Under 6.0 (-108) |
| Market Split | 54% bets Nashville, 57% money Columbus |
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