NASHVILLE — The St. Louis Blues roll into Monday night’s matchup against the Nashville Predators with both clubs locked into intriguing spots in the Western Conference and playoff positioning very much in play. At Bridgestone Arena, two teams with very different offensive flavors and defensive identities will square off, and hockey fans should expect a fast, competitive evening of Mid‑February puck action.
Nashville (32–16–8) has been playing strong hockey of late, anchoring itself near the top of the Central Division through a combination of depth scoring, structured defense and steady goaltending. The Predators currently sit among the league’s better teams in goals against — allowing fewer than 3.00 per game — while maintaining a responsible 5‑on‑5 structure that makes them difficult to break down. Their power play has hovered near league average, and while it’s not lighting the lamp every night, it consistently creates high‑quality chances.
Offensively, the Predators have received contributions up and down the lineup, with top forwards driving play and second lines chipping in timely goals. Nashville’s balanced attack has also shown the ability to generate scoring chances from the slot and sustain pressure in the offensive zone, key components in their recent success. As host club, they’ll be looking to leverage home ice and crowd energy to jump out early.
The Blues (28–22–6), meanwhile, have had moments of offensive spark as well as stretches of inconsistency — a combination that has kept them hovering near the playoff bubble. St. Louis’s attack has been fueled by its top forwards but occasionally stagnant outside the top six, leaving the team reliant on a few key producers rather than deep scoring. On the plus side, the Blues’ special teams have been competitive, with a power play that has found success when it matters most and a penalty kill that often holds firm against opposing advantages.
Individually, this matchup features a blend of established veterans and emerging talent. Nashville’s core has benefited from a mix of experienced hands and younger players asserting themselves in critical moments. The Blues boast skilled forwards who can flip a game on its head — if they find lanes and sustain possession. Goalie play will be a storyline in Nashville as it often is; when the Predators’ tenders are sharp, the club plays with confidence and structure from blue line to blue line.
From an analytics angle, Nashville’s underlying numbers have ticked upward in recent weeks, including expected goals for and quality scoring chances generated. St. Louis’s metrics paint a picture of a club that can ebb and flow in territory and shot attempts depending on matchup and deployment, making puck management and early zone exits crucial for their success.
This game isn’t just about standings — it’s about establishing identity. For the Predators, a win would reinforce their status as a legitimate contender with momentum and depth. For the Blues, taking points on the road against a strong division rival could spark a climb up the standings and give their playoff push fresh life.
Whether it turns into a high‑octane offensive battle or a more structured defensive duel, there’s plenty to like about this Blues‑Predators matchup. With divisional positioning still very much up for grabs, Monday night’s game should provide a fascinating look at two clubs fighting for relevance and seeding as the calendar turns toward March.
Check out all EasySportz NHL Content Here
College Football Viewing Guide
