Preview: Surging Hurricanes Visit Struggling Predators

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Carolina Hurricanes, riding a wave of strong goaltending and sitting near the top of the NHL standings, visit the struggling Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday night.

The Hurricanes (21-11-0) enter with wins in seven of their last nine games, including a 3-2 shootout victory over Philadelphia on Sunday. A key to their success has been the stellar play of goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov, who has won his last four starts, allowing just five total goals on 90 shots for a .944 save percentage in that span. He backstopped a 6-3 Carolina win when these teams met in Raleigh on Dec. 6.

Carolina’s offense is paced by veterans like Jordan Staal and Taylor Hall, who contributed a goal and an assist, respectively, in the recent win over the Flyers.

Conversely, the Predators (12-19-0) have lost eight of their last 11 and are coming off a 4-2 road loss in Colorado on Saturday. Forward Tyson Jost scored a goal in that contest and will be looked to for production. Nashville’s results have been inconsistent, mixing blowout wins, like a 7-2 victory over St. Louis, with heavy defeats.

The Predators’ defense will face a significant challenge against a deep Carolina attack that scored six against them earlier this month. Nashville must find a way to solve Kochetkov, who posted a 23-save win against them in that matchup.

Following this game, Carolina begins a tough Florida road swing, while Nashville prepares for a lengthy six-game homestand before embarking on a demanding six-game Western road trip to close out 2025.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.