The Chicago Blackhawks hit the road to face the Nashville Predators in a Central Division matchup, as the Blackhawks look to build on a recent uptick in form against a Predators team that’s been inconsistent but dangerous at home. With both squads hovering around .500 and battling for playoff spots, this game could hinge on special teams and goaltending, where Nashville’s Juuse Saros faces Chicago’s Connor Ingram or Petr Mrazek amid injury concerns. Expect a physical, mid-scoring affair given the divisional rivalry and recent trends.
Venue Location
Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee.
Puckdrop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CT).
Recent Team Forms
The Blackhawks are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games, with a -5 goal differential, showing mixed results amid injuries.
They recently dominated the St. Louis Blues 7-3 on January 7 but lost 5-1 to the Washington Capitals on January 9, averaging 3.0 goals scored and 3.5 allowed per game in that span.
Away, Chicago is 8-10-3, with a 4-2-1 record in their last seven road games but struggling with shot suppression (31.5 shots against per game league-wide).
The Predators are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games, with a -6 goal differential, including a three-game skid snapped by a win.
They edged the New York Islanders 2-1 in a shootout on January 8 but lost 6-2 to the Edmonton Oilers on January 6 and 4-1 to the Calgary Flames on January 3, averaging 2.5 goals scored and 3.1 allowed.
At home, Nashville is 11-9-2, with a 3-2-0 record in their last five at Bridgestone Arena.
Injury Report
Chicago Blackhawks:
Louis Crevier (D): Out (Undisclosed; expected out until at least January 10).
Ilya Mikheyev (RW): Out (Undisclosed; expected out until at least January 10).
Spencer Knight (G): Out (Undisclosed; expected out until at least January 10).
Arvid Soderblom (G): Out (Undisclosed; expected out until at least January 10).
These goaltending issues could force Connor Ingram or a call-up into action, thinning the crease.
Nashville Predators:
Jonathan Marchessault (RW): Day-to-day (Lower body; missed January 8 game, status uncertain).
Ozzy Wiesblatt (RW): IR (Upper body; expected out until at least January 10).
Marchessault’s potential absence hurts Nashville’s top-line production.
Player Matchups to Watch
Projected lineups emphasize Nashville’s veteran depth against Chicago’s youth movement, with goaltending and special teams likely pivotal amid injuries.
Connor Bedard (Blackhawks C) vs. Ryan O’Reilly (Predators C): Bedard, recently back from a shoulder injury, leads Chicago with dynamic scoring (projected 0.58 goals/game, high shot volume).
He’ll face O’Reilly’s faceoff dominance (56%) and defensive play, anchoring Nashville’s top line.
Tyler Bertuzzi (Blackhawks LW) vs. Filip Forsberg (Predators LW): Bertuzzi brings grit and secondary scoring (team-high assists), testing Forsberg’s sniper ability (leading Nashville in goals, 3.2 shots/game).
Expect physical battles in the corners.
Teuvo Teravainen (Blackhawks LW) vs. Steven Stamkos (Predators C): Teravainen’s playmaking (0.62 points/game) vs. Stamkos’ veteran presence and power-play threat (if aligned).
Goaltending: Connor Ingram (Blackhawks) vs. Juuse Saros (Predators) – Saros projects 28 saves with a .910 save percentage edge.
Series History
The Predators hold an 81-68-4-4 all-time edge over the Blackhawks in 157 meetings.
In the last 10 games, Nashville is 5-3-2, but Chicago is 2-5-3 in that span.
The Predators have won the last two meetings, including a 4-3 victory on November 18, 2025. In Nashville, the Predators are 45-32-2-2 vs. Chicago, with games trending under recently (hitting in 6 of the last 10, averaging 5.2 goals).
Betting Trends
Predators are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Chicago, covering 3-2 ATS.
Blackhawks are 1-4 in their last 5 as road underdogs of +101 to +150.
The under has hit in 7 of Nashville’s last 10 home games and 4 of Chicago’s last 6 road contests.
Game Odds
Chicago Blackhawks 6.5
Nashville Predators – 220
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 9, 2026
