In an anticipated showdown, the Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche face off with a historical backdrop that favors the Predators. With an all-time record of 51 wins, 39 losses, 5 overtime losses, and 5 shootout losses against the Avalanche, Nashville demonstrates a solid performance, especially at home with 28 wins against just 18 losses. Recent encounters tell a complex story; while the Predators have posted a 4-4-2 record in their last 10 games against Colorado, they have thrived in their last five meetings at Bridgestone Arena, winning four.
Highlighting Nashville’s offensive capabilities, Filip Forsberg stands out as a key player against the Avalanche. Forsberg recorded his fourth career hat trick on February 23, 2017, and has averaged nearly a point per game throughout his 40 encounters with Colorado, boasting a total of 39 points, which includes five game-winning goals—one of the highest against any team in his career.
On the flip side, Ryan O’Reilly has emerged as a tormentor for the Avalanche since the 2018-19 season, leading the NHL with 25 points (9 goals, 16 assists) against his former team. Drafted by Colorado in 2009, O’Reilly spent six seasons with the Avalanche, leaving a notable legacy with 246 points in 427 games.
Meanwhile, goaltender Justus Annunen, a recent acquisition from Colorado, will wear the Predators’ colors tonight. Having been traded on November 30, 2024, for Scott Wedgewood, Annunen brings a 16-9-2 record with a 2.81 goals-against average from his previous tenure with the Avalanche. Similarly, defenseman Samuel Girard, a former Predators draft selection, played five games for Nashville in the 2017-18 season, where he tallied three points.
The evening also serves as a festive occasion, marking API Music Heritage Night at Bridgestone Arena. Early arrivals will receive an API Music Heritage poster, and a variety of performances will take place on the Music Heritage Stage in the Nissan Atrium, providing entertainment ahead of the puck drop. Fans are encouraged to participate in the Smashville Stamps activity, obtaining custom stamps from six activation tables throughout the concourse, offering a fun surprise for those who complete their activity cards.
For the younger fans, the Gnashville Fun Zone will feature origami and lantern-making activities. Additionally, the Predators Foundation will host a charity auction for API player-signed jerseys and mystery pucks.
As excitement builds for this matchup, fans can catch all the action across national broadcasts on TNT, truTV, and HBO MAX, alongside local coverage from the Predators Radio Network. The pregame, postgame, and intermission segments will be hosted by Max Herz, providing a comprehensive look at the night’s events. For Spanish-speaking audiences, El Jefe will also broadcast the game, ensuring that all fans can tune in to support their team.
