Chicago Blackhawks vs Nashville Predators Picks and Predictions February 7th 2025

Predators vs. Blackhawks: Who Snaps Their Skid?

The Chicago Blackhawks (14-39-3, 31 pts) and Nashville Predators (26-26-2, 54 pts) both enter Friday night’s Central Division showdown desperate to snap their respective losing streaks.

👉 Chicago has lost three straight games
👉 Nashville has dropped five in a row

With both teams struggling, this matchup is a crucial opportunity to reset momentum before the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off break (Feb. 12-20).

Team Breakdown: Chicago Blackhawks

✅ Recent Form: 0-2-1 in last 3 games
✅ Last Game: 4-3 OT loss vs. Oilers
✅ Standings: 8th (last) in Central Division

The Blackhawks are coming off a tough overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers, where they battled back from a 3-1 deficit in the third period only to fall short.

Biggest Concern? Injuries. Jason Dickinson (high ankle sprain) will miss at least the next two games, and his absence creates a major gap in faceoffs, penalty killing, and defensive reliability.

🔹 Key Blackhawks Players to Watch:

• Connor Bedard: 46 points (15G, 31A) – Chicago’s top offensive threat but struggling defensively (-23 rating).
• Ryan Donato: Scored a key power-play goal vs. Oilers – needs to step up with Dickinson out.
• Arvid Soderblom: 34 saves vs. Oilers – can he hold off Nashville’s attack?

Nashville Predators: Searching for Answers

✅ Recent Form: 0-5-0 in last 5 games
✅ Last Game: 5-2 loss vs. Senators
✅ Standings: 7th in Central Division

The Predators are in one of their worst slumps of the season, having lost five straight games while struggling offensively. Coach Andrew Brunette openly criticized the team’s lack of effort in recent games.

What’s the issue? Defensive breakdowns and poor execution in critical moments.

🔹 Key Predators Players to Watch:

• Filip Forsberg: 51 points (19G, 32A) – Needs to spark the offense.
• Ryan O’Reilly: Costly mistakes vs. Senators – Can he bounce back?
• Jonathan Marchessault: Scored last game – Looking to build momentum.

Nashville also made a roster move, waiving forward Vinnie Hinostroza (claimed by Minnesota Wild) and calling up Joakim Kemell from AHL Milwaukee.

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Keys to Victory

Chicago Blackhawks

✅ Next Man Up: With Jason Dickinson out, who steps up to win faceoffs and kill penalties?
✅ Arvid Soderblom’s Play: The goalie was spectacular vs. Edmonton but needs offensive support.
✅ Connor Bedard’s Impact: The rookie needs to capitalize on Nashville’s defensive struggles.

Nashville Predators

✅ Fix the Defense: Giving up 5 goals to Ottawa is unacceptable.
✅ Ryan O’Reilly’s Redemption: Can he clean up his defensive mistakes?
✅ Power Play Execution: Chicago has a weak penalty kill (75.1%) – Predators must take advantage.