Predators Aim to Break Losing Streak Against Blue Jackets Tonight

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Nashville Predators will face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight at 7 p.m. ET, with both teams vying for crucial points as the NHL season nears its conclusion.

The Predators, currently at 27-39-8 and sitting seventh in the Central Division, are looking to snap a three-game losing streak following a 2-1 defeat to the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday. Predators goaltender Juuse Saros may return to the crease tonight after Justus Annunen made 16 saves in the latest matchup.

Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets enter the game at 33-30-9, in fifth place in the Metropolitan Division. They sit just two points behind the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers for the final wild card position in the Eastern Conference. A win would be pivotal for Columbus, especially considering their strong home record of 21-9-5.

“Every point matters right now,” said Blue Jackets forward Sean Monahan. “We’re pushing hard to earn a playoff spot, and tonight is no exception.”

The Predators have faced challenges this season, including multiple injuries affecting key players such as defenseman Roman Josi and forward Jonathan Marchessault. In their recent outing, they dressed the same lineup which struggled to generate scoring against Philadelphia. With Josi sidelined, Nick Blankenburg has stepped up, recording six assists since being placed on the top pair next to Brady Skjei.

The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, have struggled of late, winning just twice since March 10. Despite this, they remain optimistic about their playoff aspirations. “We know what’s at stake, and we’ll need to play some of our best hockey to secure a spot,” said Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner.

Columbus is hoping to capitalize on their home advantage. The Predators’ road performance has been lackluster, with only nine wins away from Bridgestone Arena this season.

The Blue Jackets have not seen a regulation win since March 9, but the opportunity to claim two points tonight against a struggling Predators team is not one they intend to squander.

The anticipated lineups for tonight’s contest include a mix of established stars and emerging talents for both sides:

Predators Projected Lineup:

Filip Forsberg — Ryan O’Reilly — Steven Stamkos

Michael Bunting — Fedor Svechkov — Luke Evangelista

Cole Smith — Michael McCarron — Zachary L’Heureux

Kieffer Bellows — Jakub Vrana

Brady Skjei — Nick Blankenburg

Marc Del Gaizo — Justin Barron

Andreas Englund — Spencer Stastney

Goaltenders: Juuse Saros, Justus Annunen

Blue Jackets Projected Lineup:

Dmitri Voronkov — Sean Monahan — Kirill Marchenko

Boone Jenner — Adam Fantilli — Kent Johnson

Cole Sillinger — Justin Danforth — Mathieu Olivier

Zach Aston-Reese — Sean Kuraly — Luke Kunin

Zach Werenski — Dante Fabbro

Ivan Provorov — Denton Mateychuk

Damon Severson — Erik Gudbranson

Goaltenders: Elvis Merzlikins, Daniil Tarasov

Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how tonight’s match will unfold as both teams look to counter their recent trends and secure a vital victory as the playoffs approach.