Blue Jackets vs Predators Prediction & Odds - 4/1/2025

The struggling Nashville Predators (27-38-8) limp into Columbus having lost three of their last four games, facing a Blue Jackets squad (33-30-9) that sits just two points out of the final Eastern Conference wild card spot.

Both teams feature leaky defenses – Columbus ranks 27th in goals against while Nashville sits 23rd – but the Jackets bring more offensive firepower to the table, averaging 3.17 goals per game compared to Nashville's anemic 2.52.

Tuesday's clash at Nationwide Arena presents a critical opportunity for the Blue Jackets to capitalize on their recent offensive surge (13 goals in three games) when the Columbus Blue Jackets host the Nashville Predators.

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Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Nashville Predators preview

The surging Columbus Blue Jackets welcome the slumping Nashville Predators to Nationwide Arena Tuesday night in what could be a pivotal matchup for the home team's playoff aspirations.

Just two points shy of the final Eastern Conference wildcard spot, Columbus has been lighting the lamp with impressive regularity, netting 13 goals in their last three outings while their offensive stars Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko continue to shine.

Nashville, meanwhile, can't seem to find their footing lately, dropping three of their last four contests and managing a measly six goals during that stretch - a far cry from the team that's dominated this matchup historically, going 7-2-1 in their last ten meetings against the Blue Jackets.

The goaltending battle looks to feature Justus Annunen for the Predators, who despite an 8-8-1 record has posted respectable numbers with a 2.91 GAA, while Columbus might counter with Elvis Merzlikins or potentially Daniil Tarasov, who's struggled with a 3.49 GAA this season.

Both squads have defensive issues to address - Columbus ranks 27th league-wide allowing 3.35 goals per game, while Nashville isn't much better at 23rd with 3.22 goals against.

The special teams battle could prove decisive with Nashville converting a solid 21% of their power plays facing Columbus' 25th-ranked penalty kill.

Filip Forsberg remains the Predators' offensive catalyst with 67 points, but he'll need more support from teammates like Marchessault and Stamkos if Nashville hopes to escape Columbus with their second win of the season series.

With the Blue Jackets' playoff hopes hanging in the balance and the Preds looking to salvage something from a disappointing season, expect a tight, high-scoring affair that could come down to which struggling defense bends the least.