Colorado Avalanche vs Nashville Predators Prediction and Picks - December 9, 2025

National League Hockey action on Tuesday evening, and we have a Colorado Avalanche vs Nashville Predators Prediction ready to roll for you. The Avs come in at 21-8 on the year and they are off a 3-2 road win over the Flyers. The Preds check in off a 6-3 road loss to the Hurricanes and are now at 10-18 on the year. Colorado won the first meeting right here in Nashville by a score of 3-0. Read on to see our Avalanche vs Predators prediction.

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Avs Hold Off Challenge From The Flyers

Colorado’s most recent game was a 3–2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on December 7, where Valeri Nichushkin scored the eventual game‑winner early in the second period and Nathan MacKinnon added an assist to extend his league‑leading points total. It capped off a demanding stretch of three games in four nights, yet the Avalanche still managed to grind out another road victory, improving to 21‑2‑6 and continuing to pace the NHL standings.

Offensively, Colorado has been nothing short of dominant. They lead the league at 4.0 goals per game and fire off 34.2 shots per game, also tops in the NHL. MacKinnon has been unstoppable with 24 goals and 25 assists, while Martin Necas and Cale Makar provide elite support. The power play has lagged at 15.3%, ranking 26th, but the sheer volume of scoring chances at even strength has more than compensated. Their faceoff win rate sits at 49.7%, middle of the pack, but puck possession is rarely an issue given their speed and transition game.

Defensively, the Avalanche are just as imposing, allowing a league‑low 2.2 goals per game and ranking 2nd in penalty kill at 86.7%. Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood have split duties in net, both posting save percentages above .918. The blue line, anchored by Makar and Devon Toews, has been airtight, limiting opponents to 26.7 shots per game. Colorado’s balance of elite offense and stingy defense makes them the most complete team in hockey, and they enter Nashville with momentum and confidence.

Preds Can't Stop Carolina's Offense

Nashville’s most recent game was a 6–3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on December 6, where Jackson Blake scored twice for Carolina and Juuse Saros allowed six goals before being pulled late. The defeat halted their push for a three‑game win streak and underscored the inconsistency that has plagued them all season.

Offensively, the Predators sit near the bottom of the league at 2.6 goals per game (28th), with 27.6 shots per game ranking 17th. Filip Forsberg remains their most reliable scorer with 10 goals, while Ryan O’Reilly and Steven Stamkos provide veteran presence. Their power play has struggled at 15.7%, ranking 25th, and despite strong faceoff numbers (53.1%, 5th), they haven’t translated possession into sustained offensive pressure. Depth scoring has been thin, leaving them reliant on Forsberg and O’Reilly to carry the load.

Defensively, Nashville has been porous, allowing 3.6 goals per game (31st), one of the worst marks in the NHL. Their penalty kill sits at 81.1%, middle of the pack, but lapses in coverage and inconsistent goaltending have hurt them. Saros has been serviceable with a 2.86 GAA, but the team’s overall defensive structure has faltered. The Predators limit shots reasonably well (28.0 per game, 18th), yet breakdowns in their own zone have led to high‑danger chances. Against Colorado’s relentless attack, Nashville will need near‑perfect execution to stay competitive.

Colorado Avalanche vs Nashville Predators Pick

Avalanche vs Predators Moneyline Pick

• Colorado -1.5 (4 Units)

Colorado looks like the clear side to back here, especially with the way they’ve been rolling. The Avalanche are coming off a 3–2 win over Philadelphia on December 7, where Valeri Nichushkin scored the game‑winner and Nathan MacKinnon added another point to his league‑leading total. Colorado sits at the top of the NHL with 4.0 goals per game and a defense that allows just 2.2 goals per game, both best in the league. Their shot volume (34.2 per game) overwhelms opponents, and even though the power play has been average, their even‑strength dominance has carried them. With MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mikko Rantanen driving the attack, the Avalanche have consistently buried teams and covered puck lines against weaker defenses.

Nashville, meanwhile, has struggled to keep pace with elite opponents. Their most recent outing was a 6–3 loss to Carolina on December 6, where Juuse Saros was pulled after giving up six goals. The Predators rank near the bottom offensively (2.6 goals per game, 28th) and defensively (3.6 goals allowed per game, worst in the NHL), and their penalty kill sits at just 81.1%. Even with Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly providing leadership, the lack of scoring depth and defensive lapses have been glaring. Against Colorado’s relentless attack, Nashville is vulnerable to being overwhelmed early, and with the Avalanche’s balance of firepower and structure, laying the -1.5 puck line is justified.

Avalanche vs Predators Over/Under Pick

• Over 6 (5 Units)

The Over 6 looks like a strong play in Avalanche–Predators given the way these teams match up. Colorado is coming off a 3–2 win over Philadelphia on December 7, and they lead the NHL in scoring at 4.0 goals per game with a league‑best 34.2 shots per game, consistently overwhelming opponents with their pace. Nashville, meanwhile, just dropped a 6–3 game to Carolina on December 6, and their defense has been one of the worst in the league, allowing 3.6 goals per game (31st). Even though the Predators average only 2.6 goals per game, they’ve shown they can be opportunistic, and Colorado’s relentless attack often forces opponents into higher‑event hockey. With the Avalanche’s firepower and Nashville’s defensive lapses, this matchup sets up well for a game that clears the 6‑goal total.