Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT)
Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee
TV: ESPN+ (national/out-of-market) | CHSN (Blackhawks regional) | FanDuel Sports Network South (FDSNSO – Predators regional)
Game Context
The Blackhawks are 22-26-9 (53 points), placing them near the bottom of the Central Division (likely 6th) and Western Conference (around 12th). They are 10-12-4 on the road and have struggled with consistency, especially post-Olympic break, entering on a three-game road losing streak. The Predators sit at 26-24-7 (59 points), around 10th in the Western Conference and mid-pack in the Central. They are strong at home (15-12-3) and hold a slight edge in the standings battle for potential wild-card positioning. This Central Division matchup kicks off a four-game road trip for Chicago after the NHL Olympic break, with both teams looking to shake off rust in a pivotal late-season contest.
Recent Team Forms
Blackhawks: 3-5-2 in their last 10 pre-break (L1 entering the hiatus). They fell 4-0 to Columbus on Feb. 4 in their final game before the break. Offense has been middling (2.65 GF/G), defense leaky (3.16 GA/G). Connor Bedard and Tyler Bertuzzi provide scoring flashes, but the team has struggled on the road lately.
Predators: 3-4-3 in their last 10 pre-break. They have shown resilience at home, with solid special teams (21.8% PP, though PK at 80.0%). Filip Forsberg leads the attack; the team averages 2.91 GF/G but allows 3.47 GA/G. Post-break motivation is high to climb the standings. Both squads return with fresh legs from the Olympic break — expect some early rust but elevated intensity in a divisional clash.
Injury Report
Chicago Blackhawks
- Colton Dach (C) – Day-to-Day (undisclosed)
- Jason Dickinson (C) – Day-to-Day (undisclosed/illness)
- Wyatt Kaiser (D) – Out (lower body; IR, est. return late Feb/early March; skated recently but not traveling initially)
- Shea Weber (D) – Out for Season (ankle)
- Ryan Ellis (D) – IR (long-term)
Nashville Predators
- No major injuries reported (full health entering post-break).
Nashville holds a significant depth advantage, especially on the blue line and forward group. Chicago’s injury-hit defense and bottom-six forwards limit their matchup flexibility.
Projected Starters & Key Player Matchups
Blackhawks (Projected): G (Drew Commesso or Spencer Knight rotation), D (core minus Kaiser/Ellis), forwards Connor Bedard (dynamic scorer), Tyler Bertuzzi (physical/net-front), Nick Foligno (veteran leadership).
Predators (Projected): G (Juuse Saros or backup), D (Roman Josi, Dante Fabbro, etc.), forwards Filip Forsberg (elite scorer), Ryan O’Reilly (two-way center), Jonathan Marchessault.
Key Matchups
- Connor Bedard vs. Predators top defense (Josi): Bedard’s skill and shot volume test Nashville’s structure; he had multi-point outings in prior meetings.
- Filip Forsberg vs. Blackhawks blue line: Forsberg’s speed and finishing exploit Chicago’s depleted D and transition vulnerabilities.
- Special Teams: Predators’ strong power play (21.8%) vs. Blackhawks’ solid PK (85.7%); discipline will be critical post-rust.
- Goaltending: Saros gives Nashville a clear edge in net; Chicago relies on hot streaks from backups/young goalies.
Series History (2025-26 Season)
Chicago leads the season series 1-0 (with one shutout win):
- Jan. 10, 2026 (@ NSH): Blackhawks 3-0 (Drew Commesso 36-save shutout; Bertuzzi 1G/1A, Bedard 2A; Greene and Lardis goals).
This is the second of four meetings. Chicago’s lone win was dominant defensively; Nashville seeks revenge at home.
Betting Trends
- Predators: Strong home favorites (-180 range); 4-1 in recent games; games trend Over in high-event matchups.
- Blackhawks: Live as road underdogs (+150); covered +1.5 in many losses; recent road struggles but value on the puck line.
- Head-to-head: Chicago 1-0 this season (under hit); overs in broader trends for both.
- Post-Olympic: Often sees more goals early due to rust; Predators home games frequently clear 5.5.
Game Odds
Chicago Blackhawks 6.5
Nashville Predators – 175
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 25, 2026
