Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Nashville Predators hosting the New York Rangers. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025–26 season.
NHL Predictions with Predators and Rangers
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Location: Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee
How to Watch: MSG-B, MSGSN, FDSNSO
2025–26 Season Series: New York 1, Nashville 0
The Nashville Predators (14–16–4) continue their homestand as the New York Rangers (18–15–4) fly into Bridgestone Arena for a Sunday night matchup. Both teams have endured uneven starts to the 2025–26 season, making this contest an opportunity for either side to redirect momentum before the calendar flips.
Rangers Story
For the Rangers, inconsistency has defined much of their campaign. When their top players are dictating pace, New York looks capable of competing with anyone. However, lapses in defensive structure and difficulty closing out games have kept them hovering around the playoff bubble. The Rangers will look to lean on their speed through the neutral zone and offensive-zone possession to generate sustained pressure. This road trip offers an early test of how the Rangers intend to shape the second half of their season.
New York goal!Scored by J.T. Miller with 02:39 remaining in the OT period.Assisted by Vincent Trocheck and Vladislav Gavrikov.St. Louis: 1New York: 2#NYRvsSTL #stlblues #NYR
— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2025-12-19T03:56:00.690398Z
Predators Story
Nashville enters the game searching for stability of its own. While the Predators have shown flashes of strong two-way play at home, scoring depth has been a recurring issue. If Nashville wants to dictate play, it will need to capitalize on transition chances and create traffic in front of the net against a Rangers team that can struggle when hemmed in its own zone.
Nashville goal!Scored by Filip Forsberg with 11:54 remaining in the 3rd period.Assisted by Ryan O’Reilly and Steven Stamkos.Nashville: 1Carolina: 3#CARvsNSH #Smashville #RaiseUp
— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2025-12-18T03:29:03.049244Z
Goaltending Matchup
The expected starters are for the New York Rangers, Igor Shesterkin. Meanwhile, for the Nashville Predators, they will likely be going with Juuse Saros. If this game turns tight, goaltending could be the deciding factor. Shesterkin remains the backbone of the Rangers, capable of stealing games when New York’s defensive coverage breaks down. On the other side, Saros continues to give Nashville a chance every night, especially at home, where he has historically been at his best.
Predictions
Both teams are desperate for consistency, but New York’s offensive ceiling and goaltending edge give them a slight advantage in this matchup. Expect a competitive game with momentum swings, but the Rangers’ ability to capitalize on scoring chances late proves to be the difference.
Final Score Prediction: New York Rangers win 4–3
Prop Bets to Consider
Over 5.5 Total Goals (-115)
Despite recent inconsistency from both sides, this matchup profiles as a tightly contested game with scoring opportunities at both ends. Defensive lapses combined with capable top-six offences make the over an appealing play at near-even odds.
Mika Zibanejad Over 2.5 Shots on Goal / Anytime Goal Scorer
Zibanejad remains heavily involved offensively, particularly on the power play, and continues to generate volume even when the Rangers’ finishing has cooled. His shot total presents value, while the anytime goal market reflects his ability to capitalize if New York controls possession.
Rangers Moneyline (-185)
New York enters as the clear favourite and has the edge in depth, goaltending stability, and recent head-to-head results. If the Rangers dictate tempo early, they are well-positioned to extend their series advantage to 2–0.
Main Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Disclaimer: Projected lineups are based on available data at time of writing. Please check social media and official team sources for the very latest lineup news before locking in any daily fantasy roster or prop wagers.
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