Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Tampa Bay Lightning taking on the Nashville Predators. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions with Lightning and Predators
Time: 7:45 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
How to Watch TV: ESPN+
Location: Bridgestone Arena — Nashville, TN
2024–25 Season Series: Lightning 2 – Predators 0
Tampa Bay Lightning Outlook
The Bolts are looking to continue their winning ways after two tight wins versus Anaheim and an OT thriller against Vegas. They showed grit and composure in each contest, including the Kucherov finally tallying a goal since opening night just 0.32 seconds into OT to seal it. Andrei Vasilevskiy only saw 19 shots, but his 18 saves was enough to get his first win in his sixth start. Tampa’s offence remains among the league’s most dangerous, but Hagel’s first goal of the season was the only thing lighting the lamp in regulation. If they can maintain discipline, play structured defence and exploit turnovers, they’re primed to roll.
NHL Predictions Key to Victory – Tampa Bay
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Keep the breakout clean and crisp. Don’t play into Nashville’s trap of chaotic passes and turnovers.
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Let Nikita Kucherov work his magic and capitalize on finally scoring since Goalies started wearing masks.
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Defence led by Victor Hedman must completely shut down the race to the outside and neutral-zone entries. Flail equals fail.
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Force the Predators to defend instead of attack: when Tampa’s lethal veterans force the pace, they own the place.
Nashville Predators Outlook
Nashville enters this one eager to get back on the winning side. Coming off a 3-2 loss to Dallas, they had a short two game victory run proceeding four straight losses. While the young core is growing, it’s veterans Ryan O’Reilly (five goals), Filip Forsberg and Jonathan Marchessault (three goals each)that are putting points up. Steven Stamkos (former Tampa Bay star) brings experience from his Cup winning days, but with one goal so far, that cup has runneth over. Goalie Juuse Saros has all four wins so far. He faces another stern test, and if he can steal one early, Nashville can build momentum. The Predators must eliminate giveaways and match Tampa’s pace to hang tough.
NHL Predictions to Victory – Nashville
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Attack the neutral zone with speed and flair. Force Tampa’s D-men to make quick decisions.
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Get traffic in front of Vasilevskiy and don’t allow him to see clean shots. Fog his glasses.
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Feed O’Reilly early. He’s had points in his last five games. If he grabs momentum, he can push the Bolts off their rhythm.
Prediction: Who Takes the W?
Tampa Bay has the edge: proven track record vs Nashville last season, superior depth, and the firepower to dominate if they choose. Nashville has heart and hunger, but they’ll need a near-perfect game.
Prediction: Lightning 4, Predators 2
Expect Tampa to break through early, survive a push from Nashville, then close strong in the third.
Prop Bets of the Night
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Over 6.5 Total Goals (-115): Both 2024-25 meetings were 3-2 OT wins for Tampa—tight, but they scored. Could tilt slightly higher.
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Brayden Point Anytime Goal (+130): He’s introduced goals to the net before vs Nashville and looks ready to play host again.
NHL Predictions Final Thoughts
This one has all the trimmings of a solid early-season battle: veteran offence vs emerging challengers, speed, structure, and a bit of revenge in the air. Tampa wants to get back to .500. Nashville wants to be above .500. Fans? We just want 1.000 of sharp passes, heavy hits and maybe an OT thriller.
So plug in, pour your drink, and enjoy tonight’s showdown. And if you’re a Lightning fan, maybe have a spare stress puck nearby.
Main Photo Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel – USA TODAY Sports
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