Nashville Predators vs St. Louis Blues Prediction & Betting Tips for 10/17/2026

The Nashville Predators are set to host the St. Louis Blues at Bridgestone Arena as the NHL Regular Season kicks off. With a current record of 2-5-0, the Predators seek to improve their standing in the Central Division under the leadership of Head Coach Andrew Brunette. Meanwhile, the Blues arrive with a 3-4-0 record, led by Head Coach Jim Montgomery, and aim to leverage their recent performances to gain momentum.

Both teams have had challenging starts, with the Predators ranking 12th in the Western Conference and the Blues 10th. In recent games, the Predators endured a close loss to the San Jose Sharks, while the Blues fell to the Minnesota Wild. The game promises a competitive battle as both teams strive to shake off their current streaks, with the Predators on a three-game losing streak and the Blues looking to recover from a recent defeat.

On the betting front, the St. Louis Blues are the slight favorites with a MoneyLine of -109 compared to the Predators' -108. The odds suggest a tightly contested game, with an over/under set at 5.5 goals. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+ as both teams endeavor to make a statement early in the season.

Predators vs Blues At a Glance

• Game Venue: Bridgestone Arena
• Current Records: St. Louis Blues 3-3-1, Nashville Predators 2-3-3
• Broadcast: Available on ESPN+
• Odds Favorite: St. Louis Blues with a MoneyLine of -109
• Goalies: Expected starters are Joel Hofer for the Blues and Juuse Saros for the Predators
• Game Date & Time: Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 8:00 PM

Nashville Predators Look to Steady the Ship Against St. Louis Blues

Team Overview

The Nashville Predators have had a mixed start to their 2027 season, sitting with a 2-2 record. They have shown promise on the power play, scoring seven goals, which ranks them fourth in the league. However, their faceoff performance has been less effective, placing them 24th overall.

Defensively, the Predators have allowed 20 goals, a stat that ranks them seventh in the league, supported by strong goaltending performances. Juuse Saros has been a key figure in net, with 169 saves in six appearances.

Key Players

Steven Stamkos has been a consistent contributor for the Predators, with four goals and four assists over seven games. His presence on the ice is vital for the team's offensive strategy.

Roman Josi continues to be a stalwart on defense, contributing one goal and six assists while leading the team in blocks with 11. His dual ability to defend and support the attack makes him indispensable.

Recent Performances

In their recent games, the Predators have experienced close losses, such as the 3-2 defeat to the San Jose Sharks. Despite strong individual performances, converting opportunities into wins has been a challenge.

Ryan O'Reilly and Filip Forsberg have also been key players, with O'Reilly netting three goals and Forsberg providing six assists. Their contributions will be crucial as the Predators look to improve their record.

Betting Trends

• Straight Up Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
• Straight Up Last 5: 2-2 (50.0%)
• Puckline Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
• Puckline Last 5: 2-2 (50.0%)
• Over/Under Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)

The Blues Are Ready to Hit the Right Notes Against Nashville

Blues on the Road

The St. Louis Blues are heading to Nashville to take on the Predators at Bridgestone Arena. With a current record standing at 3-3, the Blues are aiming to make a statement in this away game. Their recent performance has been a mix, with notable victories over the Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets.

Playing away hasn't been too daunting for the Blues, as seen in their dominant 7-2 win against the Senators. Consistency will be key as they face the Predators, hoping to replicate such performances.

Key Players to Watch

Mason McTavish stands out as a significant contributor with 5 goals and 8 points over 7 games. His ability to create opportunities and capitalize on them will be crucial in this upcoming game.

Pius Suter has also shown his prowess, netting 3 goals and providing 3 assists, making him another asset for the Blues. His physical presence, with 11 hits, adds to his versatility on the ice.

Goaltending Dynamics

Joel Hofer has been a reliable presence between the pipes, recording 116 saves over 5 games. His efforts have been instrumental in securing key wins for the Blues, including a shutout performance.

Jordan Binnington, with a win under his belt from 2 appearances, will be another option for the Blues in the goaltender position. His experience and skill set will be vital for the Blues' defensive strategy.

Injury Concerns

The Blues are dealing with several injuries, impacting their lineup. Dillon Dube and Torey Krug are notable absentees, each facing long recovery times.

Additionally, Pavel Buchnevich is questionable due to personal reasons, which could affect the Blues' offensive depth. Despite these challenges, the team has shown resilience in overcoming adversity.

Betting Trends

• SU Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
• SU as Underdog: 1-2 (33.3%)
• Puckline Last 3: 3-0 (100.0%)
• O/U Last 3: 3-0 (100.0%)

Predators vs Blues Prediction: Over 5.5

The Nashville Predators and St. Louis Blues have started the season with fluctuating performances, which makes this upcoming game intriguing for totals bettors. With the Blues scoring 25 goals this season, ranking them fifth in the league, their offensive capability is evident. Despite Nashville's struggles, their power play success adds potential for scoring, having recorded 7 power play goals ranking fourth.

Historically, games between these two teams have often gone over the total, with a 3-1 record to the over in their 2026 meetings. Given these trends and the current scoring stats, there's a strong case for the over in this matchup. The Predators' defensive vulnerabilities paired with the Blues' offensive prowess could lead to a high-scoring affair.

Considering the current odds, the over is favored at -134, indicating the expectation of a higher-scoring game. Both teams have shown some inconsistencies in defense, which could allow for more goals to be scored. The Predators have allowed 20 goals, while the Blues have allowed 21, suggesting weaknesses that can be exploited.

In conclusion, with both teams having the potential to score and previous meetings resulting in high-scoring outcomes, the over 5.5 presents a compelling betting option. A projected final score could see the Blues edging out the Predators in a 4-3 contest.

• Predators vs Blues Prediction: Over 5.5
• Predators vs Blues Score: Blues 4 - Predators 3

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