The Nashville Predators are set to take on the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre in an early season NHL regular game. The Predators, led by head coach Andrew Brunette, have shown a mixed start to their season with a record of 2-1-1, sitting third in the Western Central Division. They will aim to bounce back from a recent loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
On the other hand, the Montreal Canadiens, coached by Martin St. Louis, have begun their season strongly with a 3-1-0 record. The Canadiens are currently ranked fourth in their conference and are coming off a narrow victory against the Seattle Kraken. As the home favorites, Montreal will look to leverage their recent momentum.
In terms of odds, Montreal is favored with a MoneyLine of -162, while Nashville stands at +136. The puck line indicates a competitive game, with the Predators at -1.5 and the Canadiens at +1.5. With both teams eager to solidify their early season standings, this game promises high intensity at the Bell Centre.
Canadiens vs Predators At a Glance
- Game Time: Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM
- Location: Bell Centre, Montreal
- TV Broadcast: ESPN+
- Montreal Record: 3-1-0
- Nashville Record: 2-1-1
- Odds Favorite: Montreal Canadiens with a MoneyLine of -162
Canadiens Ready to Take On the Challenge in Nashville
Predators Season Overview
The Nashville Predators have started their 2026 campaign with a focus on solidifying their defensive capabilities, evident in their recent stats. The team has conceded 10 goals while saving 90 shots, showcasing their defensive prowess. Although they’ve yet to secure a shutout, their goaltending performance has been commendable so far.
With 15 goals and 26 assists this season, Nashville is demonstrating balanced scoring depth. Their offense is creating opportunities, as evidenced by their 98 shots on goal. This balanced attack will be crucial as they face the Canadiens.
Key Players to Watch
Nashville’s physical game is apparent with 93 hits recorded, indicating a strategy focused on pressuring opponents physically. Additionally, they have effectively blocked 58 shots, underscoring their commitment to defensive responsibility. The team’s disciplined play is reflected in their 37 penalty minutes, a relatively low figure considering their aggressive style.
The Predators’ ability to maintain pressure and control the pace of play will be essential against the Canadiens. Their goalie’s impressive 90 saves to date suggest that their netminder is a critical component in their defensive strategy.
Defensive Tactics and Goaltending
Nashville’s defensive strategy has been effective, allowing them to stay competitive in tightly contested games. Their goaltender’s ability to handle high shot volumes has been a cornerstone of their defensive play. Although shutouts have eluded them, their ability to limit goals against remains strong.
The Predators will look to tighten their defensive play further as they prepare to face a Canadiens team with offensive threats like Cole Caufield and Ivan Demidov. Their ability to disrupt Montreal’s offensive flow will be pivotal.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU Last 5: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU Last 10: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU All Games: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 1-1 (50.0%)
- Puckline Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- Puckline Last 5: 1-2 (33.3%)
- Puckline Last 10: 1-2 (33.3%)
- Puckline All Games: 1-2 (33.3%)
- Puckline as Favorite: 0-1 (0.0%)
- Puckline as Underdog: 1-1 (50.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- O/U Last 5: 1-2 (33.3%)
- O/U Last 10: 1-2 (33.3%)
- O/U All Games: 1-2 (33.3%)
The Predators’ Journey: A Game Preview
Predators’ Current Form
The Nashville Predators are coming off a mixed start to the 2026 regular season. In their most recent outing, they fell short against the Toronto Maple Leafs, with a 7-4 loss. However, they showcased a strong performance against the Ottawa Senators with a 4-1 victory.
Key players like Filip Forsberg, despite being goalless in recent games, are expected to step up in the upcoming fixtures. His influence on the ice is crucial for the Predators’ offensive play. The Predators have shown resilience, with a current record standing at 2-1.
Key Players to Watch
Jonathan Marchessault has been instrumental, recording 4 points in the first four games of the season. His ability to find the back of the net could be vital in upcoming contests. Erik Haula, another key player, matches Marchessault’s output with 4 points, proving to be an offensive threat.
Roman Josi, known for his defensive capabilities, also contributes offensively with 3 points so far. His dual role on the ice is essential for maintaining the Predators’ balance in gameplay. Filip Forsberg, though not the top scorer, remains a pivotal figure with 3 points.
Goaltending Overview
Juuse Saros has been a standout performer between the pipes, boasting 89 saves and only 5 goals against in three appearances. His goaltending prowess gives the Predators a fighting chance in tight games. Justus Annunen, though only appearing once, will need to support Saros effectively when called upon.
With the Predators focusing on tightening their defense, Saros’s performance will be under the spotlight. His ability to withstand pressure could be a determining factor in the Predators’ success. The backup role of Annunen will be crucial in managing the grueling schedule ahead.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU Last 5: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU Last 10: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU All Games: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 1-1 (50.0%)
- Puckline Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- Puckline Last 5: 2-1 (66.7%)
- Puckline Last 10: 2-1 (66.7%)
- Puckline All Games: 2-1 (66.7%)
- Puckline as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- Puckline as Underdog: 1-1 (50.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- O/U Last 5: 1-2 (33.3%)
- O/U Last 10: 1-2 (33.3%)
- O/U All Games: 1-2 (33.3%)
Conclusion
The Nashville Predators have shown promise in the early stages of the season, despite some setbacks. With a mix of veteran presence and young talent, they look to build on their performances. Consistency and effective goaltending will be key as they prepare for their next challenge against the Montreal Canadiens.
Canadiens vs Predators Prediction: Under 6.0
The Montreal Canadiens have started the season strongly with a 3-1-0 record, showcasing some offensive prowess, particularly in their recent 5-4 victory over the Seattle Kraken. However, the head-to-head history with the Nashville Predators favors low-scoring outcomes, as their last two meetings went under the total. Additionally, the Canadiens’ early-season betting trends show they have gone under in two of their three games.
On the other hand, the Nashville Predators, with a 2-1-1 record, have been competitive but not overly prolific in scoring, averaging just over two goals per game. The Predators’ strategic style under Head Coach Andrew Brunette is likely to focus on solid defensive plays against a Canadiens team that has had some defensive lapses. Given the historical trends and both teams’ recent performances, a lower-scoring game is anticipated.
Montreal’s goalie Samuel Montembeault has had challenges but remains capable of making crucial saves, especially against a Predators squad that hasn’t been consistently high-scoring. The Canadiens will likely emphasize tightening their defense after allowing four goals in their previous game. This defensive focus could contribute to keeping the game under the posted total.
Considering these factors, the prediction leans towards a lower-scoring affair. The game at Bell Centre is projected to end with Montreal securing a 3-2 victory over Nashville, aligning with the under 6.0 total line.
- Canadiens vs Predators Prediction: Under 6.0
- Canadiens vs Predators Score: Canadiens 3 – Predators 2
