Chicago Blackhawks vs Nashville Predators Pick & Preview - 2/26/2026
Updated February 26, 2026
Updated February 26, 2026
The Chicago Blackhawks visit the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday night as the NHL works its way back into full swing following its Olympic break. This is the first game back for both of these teams, as they both look to help their fading playoff hopes with a victory in the Music City. Before this contest begins from Nashville, continue reading to find my Blackhawks vs Predators prediction right here.
Pick: Over 6.5 ATS PRO
Confidence: 3 out of 5
The Blackhawks enter having won only 1 of their last 5 games, including some lopsided losses that have shown issues with their defensive stability. Their performance over recent outings has featured too many deficits that they struggled to overcome, particularly on the road. Thankfully they have a well-rested Connor Bedard after he didn't play for Canada at the Olympics.
Nashville’s recent form reflects its own struggles, with two wins and three losses in the last five games. The Predators also have the home-ice advantage in this game and will look to take advantage of it to assert themselves early and build a lead against a team that has shown vulnerability against any sort of sustained offensive pressure.
Chicago is likely to go with Spencer Knight in net in their first game post-break. Knight has a GAA of 2.62 and is more than capable of shutting down opposing attackers on any given night. Nashville’s Juuse Saros has struggled at times this season, but he looked good in the Olympics for Finland and nearly helped them to upset Canada in the semifinals of that tournament. It will be interesting to see if he can build on that now that he is back with his club.
Connor Bedard and Tyler Bertuzzi are the drivers of the offense for Chicago this year. Bedard has 23 goals and a team-high 30 assists, while Bertuzzi leads the Blackhawks with 25 goals of his own. Nashville is led in goals by Steven Stamkos, who continues to produce despite having logged so many miles as a pro already. He is often set up by Ryan O'Reilly, who leads the Preds with 36 assists.
Score Projection: Chicago 3 – Nashville 4 ATS PRO
Win Probability: Chicago 37%, Nashville 63% ATS PRO
I think we will see a home team win for the first time in the season series between these teams this year. Nashville should be able to take advantage of the porous defense of the Blackhawks on home ice, while I'm expecting some improved goaltending from Saros, thanks to some added confidence from a strong Olympic tournament. But my best bet for this game is the over, as both teams have given up over three goals per game this year and should continue to give up scoring chances.
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