The Nashville Predators (14-22-7) are set to face off against the Chicago Blackhawks (14-28-2) at Bridgestone Arena in a crucial Central Division matchup between two teams desperately seeking to turn their seasons around.

Both teams have been plagued by offensive struggles this season, with the Predators averaging just 2.47 goals per game while the Blackhawks have managed only 2.55 goals per contest.

The Predators' duo of Filip Forsberg and Jonathan Marchessault has been a bright spot with their combined 26 goals and 43 assists, while the Blackhawks have relied heavily on the contributions of Connor Bedard and Teuvo Teravainen, who have totaled 22 goals and 48 assists between them.

The goaltending battle could prove decisive, as Nashville's Juuse Saros (.903 save percentage) looks to outperform Chicago's Petr Mrazek (.893 save percentage) in what promises to be a tightly contested affair.

While both teams have struggled defensively this season, the Predators' home-ice advantage and slightly more consistent defensive unit, anchored by Roman Josi and Brady Skjei, could prove to be the difference-maker in this matchup.

As these longtime rivals prepare to face off in Nashville, fans will be watching closely to see which team can overcome their offensive challenges and secure a much-needed victory in this Central Division showdown.

Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks: who will win?

For tonight's Nashville Predators vs Chicago Blackhawks matchup, our predictive model gives the Predators a 72% chance of defeating the Blackhawks.

Nashville Predators: 72% win probability

  • Better recent form (WLLWW in last 5 games vs Blackhawks' LLLWL)
  • Superior defensive performance (135 goals against vs Blackhawks' 152)
  • Higher points total (35 points vs Blackhawks' 30 points)

Chicago Blackhawks: 28% win probability

  • Poor road record (Last place in Central Division with 30 points)
  • Weak offensive output (113 goals scored, third-lowest in Western Conference)
  • Defensive struggles (152 goals against, second-worst in Central Division)

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.

Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks odds

Nashville PredatorsChicago Blackhawks
moneyline-250 (via BetMGM Sportsbook)+210 (via DraftKings Sportsbook)

Key stats

  • 1
    The Nashville Predators have won 14 out of 43 matches this season.
  • 2
    The Chicago Blackhawks have won 14 out of 44 matches this season.
  • 3
    With 35 points, the Nashville Predators holds the 14th position in the league standings.
  • 4
    Chicago Blackhawks's 30 points place them 16th in the rankings.

Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks form

Nashville Predators
Nashville Predators
Latest matches
W
L
L
W
W
Victories
3/5 (60%)
Defeats
2/5 (40%)
Jan 15, 2025
Vegas Golden Knights3:5Nashville Predators
Jan 12, 2025
Washington Capitals4:1Nashville Predators
Jan 8, 2025
Winnipeg Jets5:2Nashville Predators
Jan 5, 2025
Calgary Flames1:4Nashville Predators
Jan 4, 2025
Vancouver Canucks0:3Nashville Predators
Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks
Latest matches
L
L
L
W
L
Victories
1/5 (20%)
Defeats
4/5 (80%)
Jan 14, 2025
Calgary Flames5:2Chicago Blackhawks
Jan 12, 2025
Edmonton Oilers4:3Chicago Blackhawks
Jan 11, 2025
Detroit Red Wings5:3Chicago Blackhawks
Jan 9, 2025
Colorado Avalanche1:3Chicago Blackhawks
Jan 5, 2025
New York Rangers6:2Chicago Blackhawks

Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks head to head

Nashville Predators

83%

Chicago Blackhawks

17%

Oct 26, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

2 : 3

Nashville Predators

Apr 13, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

1 : 5

Nashville Predators

Jan 3, 2024

Nashville Predators

3 : 0

Chicago Blackhawks

Dec 6, 2023

Chicago Blackhawks

3 : 4

Nashville Predators

Nov 18, 2023

Nashville Predators

4 : 2

Chicago Blackhawks

Mar 17, 2023

Nashville Predators

1 : 2

Chicago Blackhawks