Predators vs Panthers Prediction & Odds - 2/26/2025

The Florida Panthers (34-21-3) head to Bridgestone Arena to face the Nashville Predators (20-29-7) in what appears to be a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions.

The Panthers, currently holding the second-best record in the Atlantic Division, have been particularly impressive on defense, allowing just five goals in their last three games while maintaining a solid 3.26 goals per game offensive output.

The Predators, meanwhile, have struggled mightily this season, winning only three of their last ten games and managing just two goals in their previous two outings.

Sam Reinhart and Aleksander Barkov have been dominant forces for Florida, combining for 45 goals and 69 assists, while Nashville's Filip Forsberg and Jonathan Marchessault have produced 39 goals and 59 assists in what has been a challenging season for the Predators' offense.

The contrast between Florida's stingy 2.88 goals against average and Nashville's defensive struggles, allowing 3.30 goals per game, could prove decisive in this cross-conference matchup.

As these teams prepare to face off at Bridgestone Arena, the question remains whether the Predators can find a way to contain Florida's potent offense while jumpstarting their own scoring efforts against one of the league's most formidable defensive units.

Nashville Predators vs. Florida Panthers preview

The Florida Panthers (34-21-3) head to Bridgestone Arena to face the struggling Nashville Predators (20-29-7) in what appears to be a lopsided matchup between two teams on opposite trajectories.

The Panthers, currently holding the second-best record in the Atlantic Division, have been showcasing exceptional defensive prowess, allowing only five goals in their last three games while maintaining a solid 2.88 goals-against average for the season.

Florida's dynamic duo of Sam Reinhart and Aleksander Barkov has been instrumental in their success, combining for an impressive 45 goals and 69 assists to lead the team's offensive charge that averages 3.26 goals per game.

The Panthers' blue line has been equally impressive, with Gustav Forsling and Aaron Ekblad contributing both defensively and offensively, accumulating 16.7 defensive point shares while adding 11 goals and 36 assists from the point.

In contrast, the Predators have been experiencing a season to forget, managing only three wins in their last ten games and struggling to find offensive rhythm with a mere 2.59 goals per game average.

Nashville's defensive woes are equally concerning, allowing 3.30 goals per game despite the efforts of veterans Brady Skjei and Roman Josi, who have combined for 14.1 defensive point shares.

The goaltending matchup could prove decisive, with Florida's Spencer Knight (.906 save percentage) showing better form than Nashville's Juuse Saros, who has posted a .900 save percentage and a concerning -1.9 goals saved above average.

While Filip Forsberg and Jonathan Marchessault have been bright spots for Nashville with their combined 39 goals and 59 assists, the team's overall offensive struggles suggest they'll have their work cut out against Florida's formidable defense.

Given the Panthers' recent defensive excellence, allowing only three goals in their last five games, and the Predators' offensive struggles, scoring just two goals in their previous two matches, this contest could well be a low-scoring affair dominated by the visiting Panthers.