Nashville Predators vs Colorado Avalanche Picks and Predictions February 22nd 2025

Nashville Predators vs Colorado Avalanche February 22nd 2025

Looking to win big? The Avalanche and Predators face off at 6:00 ET on ESPN+. The Predators are hosting the game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. The Avalanche come into this Central division matchup as the -1.5 goal favorite to pick up the win. Currently, the over/under for the game is at 6 goals.

Colorado vs. Nashville Key Information

• Teams: Avalanche at Predators
• Where: Bridgestone Arena Nashville
• Date: Saturday, February 22nd
• Betting Odds COL -132 | NAS +112 O/U 6

The Avalanche Can Win If…

With a 5-2 loss to the Predators, the Avalanche’s record dropped to 33-22-2. The total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, and the combined 7 goals pushed it over. Colorado, as the underdog on the puck line, failed to cover.

The Avalanche took the lead in the second period, but the Predators responded with five unanswered goals. Colorado’s defense struggled in the third period, allowing three goals, including two empty-netters.

The Avalanche fired 30 shots on goal but only found the net twice in their 5-2 loss to the Predators. Cale Makar opened the scoring with his 5th goal of the season, which came on a power play. Nathan MacKinnon added his 6th goal, while also picking up his 14th assist.

Colorado had 23 giveaways and scored for the first time at the 17:06 mark of the second period. Makar’s goal was followed by MacKinnon’s, which came with just 2:17 left in the game. Devon Toews added his 2nd assist of the year.

Colorado’s defense struggled late, giving up two goals in the final 1:14, both of which were empty-netters. Justus Annunen made 21 saves with a save percentage of 87.5%. The Avalanche also had 11 takeaways and 26 hits.

• Spanning across their last three games, Colorado have gone 2-1. The team has also been excellent vs the spread, going 2-1. Their over-under record in these games was 1-1-1.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, Colorado has a record of 5-5. The team’s record vs the puck line was just 5-5, in addition to an over-under mark of 3-6-1.

The Predators Can Win If…

With a 5-2 win over the Avalanche, the Predators improved to 19-28-7. Nashville was favored on the puck line, and they covered it with the victory. The total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, and the combined 7 goals surpassed that mark.

All five of Nashville’s goals came from different players. The Avalanche scored first, but the Predators tied it up at 11:29 in the second period. Two of Nashville’s goals were empty-netters, helping to seal the win.

Nashville’s offense put up 5 goals against the Avalanche, with two coming on empty nets. The Predators were held scoreless in the first period, but Steven Stamkos got them on the board with his second goal of the season, this one on a power play. Roman Josi added his first goal of the season, also on a power play, while Colton Sissons netted his first goal of the year.

Filip Forsberg scored his seventh goal on an empty net, and Gustav Nyquist added his fourth, also on an empty net. The Predators took 25 shots on goal and recorded 15 giveaways. Nashville had 7 assists, with Nyquist picking up his fourth assist on Forsberg’s empty-netter.

Defensively, the Predators will look to improve after allowing the first goal just 2:54 into the second period and another late in the third. Juuse Saros made 29 saves with a 93.5% save percentage, while the defense added 4 takeaways and 23 hits.

• Over their last three regular season games, the Predators have gone 1-2 straight up. Against the spread, Nashville went 1-2 in these games and finished with an over-under mark of 3-0.
• The Predators have gone 4-6 over their last ten regular season games. The team’s record vs the puck line was just 3-7, in addition to an over-under mark of 8-2.

The Lean

If you’re looking for a moneyline pick, my choice is the Predators to take down the Avalanche at home. With the moneyline currently at +112, I’m placing my bet on the Predators straight-up.

Our projections have the Predators pulling out a win as the underdog. But if you’re not as bullish as we are on the Predators, we’d recommend at least getting a bet down on them to cover the puck line.

With an over/under line sitting at 6 goals, we like this game to surpass that mark and recommend getting a bet down on the over.

Predators Return to Face Avalanche as Trade Deadline Looms

The Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche return from a two-week break with vastly different outlooks for the remainder of the NHL season. Nashville finds itself 18 points behind Vancouver for the final Western Conference wild-card spot. With the NHL’s March 7 trade deadline approaching, general manager Barry Trotz is already exploring potential deals to acquire draft picks and prospects. Colorado, on the other hand, holds the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference and trails the Minnesota Wild by just two points for third place in the Central Division.

As both teams meet Saturday in Nashville, their postseason aspirations and trade deadline strategies could not be more different.

Predators Eye Future as Playoff Hopes Fade

The Predators entered the season with high expectations, fueled by offseason signings like Steven Stamkos. However, six straight losses before the break derailed their playoff hopes. Although Nashville managed a 6-4 victory over Buffalo in its final game before the break, Trotz acknowledged the team’s inconsistent play has forced the front office to consider selling at the deadline. “The season just unraveled on us, and we couldn’t get it back on the rails,” Trotz told The Tennessean.

Injuries have further complicated Nashville’s situation. Defenseman Adam Wilsby is out for the season with an upper-body injury, while forward Zachary L’Heureux is on injured reserve with an upper-body injury and is considered week-to-week. Despite these setbacks, Filip Forsberg and Gustav Nyquist represented Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Forsberg leads the Predators with 53 points, while Nyquist contributed a goal during the tournament. Goaltender Juuse Saros, whose 23 losses are the most in the NHL, played two games for Finland, posting a 3.96 goals-against average (GAA) and an .870 save percentage.

Avalanche Poised for Playoff Push

While Nashville faces an uncertain future, Colorado is focused on solidifying its playoff position and potentially climbing higher in the Central Division standings. A trio of Avalanche stars helped Canada capture the 4 Nations Face-Off championship: Nathan MacKinnon scored a tournament-high four goals and leads the NHL with 66 assists and 87 points this season. Cale Makar assisted on Connor McDavid’s game-winning goal in the overtime final, while Devon Toews provided steady defensive play to help Canada secure the championship.

Colorado coach Jared Bednar used the break to allow his players to rest and recharge before holding three practice sessions leading up to Saturday’s game. He praised the team’s energy and enthusiasm during Friday’s session, stating, “It’s a good sign coming into this week, and hopefully we continue to play with that energy and enthusiasm here going to Nashville.”

The Avalanche entered the break on a hot streak, winning four of their last five games, including a 5-4 road victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Feb. 7. MacKinnon tallied a goal and three assists, while Makar added two goals and an assist.

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Can Nashville Start Fresh, or Will Colorado Stay Hot?

With the trade deadline approaching, this game could serve as a turning point for both teams. Nashville hopes to regroup after the break, but a loss could accelerate trade discussions as the front office shifts its focus toward the future. Colorado looks to maintain momentum and improve its playoff positioning, with an eye on catching Minnesota for third place in the division.

As the Western Conference playoff race heats up, Saturday’s game could offer a preview of each team’s future—whether it’s a playoff push or building for next season.