Islanders vs Predators

The Islanders come into Music City riding a two-game win streak and clinging to the fading edge of the Eastern Conference Wild Card race, while the Predators limp in near the bottom of the Western standings with little to play for. Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat have heated up at the right time, combining for six points over the last two games and capitalizing against weaker defensive units like Nashville’s, which has been prone to breakdowns all season. While Roman Josi remains active, the Predators’ blue line has struggled with consistency, and Juuse Saros—though capable of stealing games—has underperformed historically against the Isles. On the offensive side, Filip Forsberg continues to battle without reliable support, and Nashville’s lack of forward depth has limited their scoring ceiling. With the Islanders still pushing for postseason life and Nashville simply playing out the season, the motivation gap is clear. The -125 price doesn’t scream value, but given the stakes and form, the edge goes to the road team. Recommendation: Take the Islanders Moneyline with moderate confidence. Grade: B. Odds and availability are subject to change.

Despite Mathew Barzal’s recent surge, the Islanders enter this game still clinging to faint playoff hopes and are coming off several low-scoring outings, having gone Under in four of their last five. Meanwhile, the Nashville Predators — or Smashville, as they’re often called — arrive at UBS Arena with little to play for, sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference standings and struggling to find offensive rhythm. Filip Forsberg remains active, but Nashville has lacked consistent secondary scoring, which has limited their attack. Historically, Juuse Saros has played well against the Islanders, boasting a .932 save percentage in his last three meetings with them, and the Preds typically take a defensive approach when facing Eastern Conference opponents. Ilya Sorokin has also been reliable at home, and his numbers tend to improve in high-leverage late-season games. With Nashville eliminated and the Islanders leaning on structured, mistake-free hockey to stay alive in the Wild Card chase, this matchup has the makings of a tight-checking, low-scoring affair. A 2–1 or 3–2 finish feels likely. Between Nashville’s offensive struggles and New York’s disciplined approach, the Under grades a respectable B for moderate risk and value. Odds and availability are subject to change.

Mathew Barzal and the Isles look to stay above .500 as they storm into Nashville clinging to distant playoff hopes. While the Nashville Predators have been eliminated from playoff contention and continue to sit near the bottom of the Central Division at 27–42, the Islanders remain in the Wild Card mix with a 34–32 record and a modest 3-1-1 stretch over their last five. New York's power play has been hit-or-miss, but their top line continues to generate at even strength. Nashville enters this matchup off a string of recent losses, though there is no confirmation of a five-game skid. Filip Forsberg remains active, though the Preds have struggled to support him with consistent secondary scoring, and Juuse Saros has endured a tough stretch in net with a dip in save percentage over the last month. Bo Horvat has historically fared well against Nashville, notching five goals in his last six matchups. With the Eastern playoff race still alive for New York and Nashville just playing out the schedule, the Islanders are the better-positioned team—but their muted scoring output makes puckline coverage a risky play. The +205 price is tempting, but inconsistency in finishing keeps this to a C+ grade. Odds and availability are subject to change.