Avalanche vs Predators: Intense NHL Central Division Clash Heats Up – Live Updates, Stats, and Predictions
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The Colorado Avalanche face off against the Nashville Predators in a pivotal Central Division matchup on December 9, 2025, at Bridgestone Arena, with the game tied 2-2 entering the second period as of latest updates. This rematch follows Colorado's dominant 3-0 shutout victory on November 22, where Mackenzie Blackwood starred with 35 saves, underscoring the Avs' elite form atop the NHL standings at 21-2-6. As these two teams battle for positioning, fans are glued to every shift in what promises to be a gritty, high-stakes affair.
Recent Game Highlights and Live Action
Picture this: the puck drops in Nashville, and the Avalanche strike first through Brock Nelson, assisted by Brent Burns and Josh Manson, putting Colorado up 1-0 late in the opening frame. Nashville responds fiercely with Jonathan Marchessault's power-play tally, assisted by Filip Forsberg and Ryan O'Reilly, to even it at 1-1, showcasing the Preds' resilience despite their struggles. The second period sees Roman Schaefer tip one in for a 2-1 Predators lead, only for Artturi Lehkonen to rip home the equalizer with helpers from Martin Necas and Nathan MacKinnon, leaving it 2-2 with plenty of hockey left.
This game carries extra weight after Colorado's recent road trip wins, including 3-2 thrillers sealed by MacKinnon in overtime and Valeri Nichushkin's clutch goal. Nashville, sitting at 10-14-4 with just 24 points – the NHL's lowest – has shown sparks in a recent 4-2-0 stretch before a 6-3 loss to Carolina. The atmosphere at Bridgestone Arena crackles with national TNT coverage, drawing in hockey diehards worldwide.
Head-to-Head History: A Rivalry of Resilience
Historically, these Central Division foes have traded blows evenly, with Colorado holding a 6-4 edge in the last 10 meetings and a 2-2-0 split in recent 2024-25 encounters. The Avalanche average 4.20 goals per game against Nashville (NHL-best in series), while holding opponents to 2.40, boasting a stellar 85.9% penalty kill. Key past thrillers include Nashville's late-third rally in 2023 and Colorado's playoff-style defenses.
In the 2025-26 season series, this is matchup two of four: November 22 (Avs win 3-0), December 9 (ongoing), December 13 at Ball Arena, and January 16 back home. All-time, Nashville leads slightly at home, but Colorado's road prowess – just two regulation losses league-wide – tilts the scales. These games often hinge on special teams, where the Avs' power play shines.
Avalanche Dominance: Stats and Stars Leading the Charge
Colorado sits atop the Central Division and NHL with 48 points from a 21-2-6 record, leading the league in goals (115), goals against (63), and fewest per game (2.17). Nathan MacKinnon dominates with 9 points in recent games, chasing his 900th career game, while Cale Makar anchors the blue line despite penalties like tripping Michael Bunting. Valeri Nichushkin’s return from injury adds firepower, complementing lines with Martin Necas, Artturi Lehkonen, and Brock Nelson.
Scott Wedgewood returns in net after a back injury, backing up Blackwood, with projected lines featuring Gabriel Landeskog, Ross Colton, and Victor Olofsson chasing milestones. Injuries sideline Logan O’Connor (hip), but the Avs' depth – 19-of-20 games with points – keeps them unstoppable. Their overtime prowess (2-6 past regulation) highlights elite conditioning.
Top Scorers: MacKinnon (6G, 7A in recent slate), Necas (4A).
Defensive Edge: League-best GA/GP, led by Devon Toews-Cale Makar pairing.
Predators' Fightback: Grit Amid Struggles
Nashville scrapes bottom with 24 points (10-14-4, 8th in Central), but home cooking and recent wins fuel hope. Ryan O'Reilly leads with 21 points, Filip Forsberg nets 10 goals, and Luke Evangelista dishes 15 assists – their offensive core. Juuse Saros expected in goal, facing Wedgewood's return. Roman Josi nears return from injury, boosting the blueline.
Martin Necas' illness could see Gavin Brindley step in, testing depth. Despite fewest points league-wide, Nashville's 14-6 third-period edge in past games shows rally potential. They're +21 goal differential in some metrics, but consistency eludes them.
| Key Preds Stats | Player | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Points | Ryan O'Reilly | 21 |
| Goals | Filip Forsberg | 10 |
| Assists | Luke Evangelista | 15 |
| PIM Leader | Ozzy Wiesblatt | 30 |
Injury Updates and Line Projections
Avalanche: Scott Wedgewood back (back), Logan O’Connor out (hip, week-to-week), Necas questionable (illness – Brindley possible sub). Projected lines: Lehkonen-MacKinnon-Necas; Landeskog-Nelson-Colton; Nichushkin-Drury-Olofsson; Kelly-Bardakov-Kiviranta. D: Toews-Makar, Manson-Burns, Girard-Malinski.
Predators: Roman Josi practicing (lower-body), Martin Necas impact if out. Saros in net, with O'Reilly, Forsberg, Marchessault driving attack. Nashville's penalty kill holds firm early.
What’s at Stake: Playoff Implications and Fan Buzz
With Colorado eyeing the Presidents' Trophy and Nashville clawing for wild card (99 points projected?), this series shapes Central seeding. Avs' streak (first to 20 wins) meets Preds' home desperation – expect physicality. Fans on social media buzz about MacKinnon's heroics and Nashville's late surges.
TNT broadcast amplifies stakes, with milestones like MacKinnon's 900th game adding narrative. Post-game, eyes shift to December 13 rematch in Denver.
Player Spotlights: Heroes Who Define the Rivalry
Nathan MacKinnon (Avalanche): The heartbeat of Colorado's attack, his overtime winners embody clutch play. Nine points vs. Nashville recently; one game from 900.
Filip Forsberg (Predators): Nashville's goal machine with 10 tallies, his assists fuel comebacks like Marchessault's PP strike.
Cale Makar (Avalanche): Defensive wizard with offensive flair, despite penalties – pairs perfectly with Toews.
Ryan O'Reilly (Predators): Captain's 21 points lead a sputtering offense; key in even-strength battles.
Mackenzie Blackwood/Scott Wedgewood (Avalanche): Blackwood's shutout sets tone; Wedgewood's return stabilizes.
Juuse Saros (Predators): Wall in net, facing 115 Avs goals league-high.
Tactical Breakdown: Keys to Victory
Avalanche thrive on speed and transition, leveraging MacKinnon-Necas chemistry to exploit Nashville's defensive gaps. Their league-best scoring (115G) pressures Saros early. Predators counter with forecheck grit, third-period pushes (14-6 shots edge historically), and power play (Marchessault's goal).
Watch for special teams: Avs' PK shines in series (85.9%). Injuries test depth – Necas out hurts Colorado's top line. Home crowd boosts Preds, but Avs' road form (19/20 points) prevails.
Avs Win If: Dominate 5v5, Wedgewood stands tall.
Preds Win If: Capitalize PP, rally late.
Season Context: Avalanche's Surge vs Preds' Rebuild
Colorado's 21-2-6 mark includes eight straight wins pre-road trip, first to 20 victories. They lead Central over Dallas (45 pts), Minnesota (37). Nashville's 10-14-4 reflects rebuild pains post-Global Series, but 4-2-0 recent shows fight.
Broader NHL: Tripleheader opener October 7, Olympic break February. This game tests contenders vs. bubble teams.
Fan Guide: How to Watch and Engage
Catch it live on TNT/truTV, 92.5 FM radio, or apps like Sofascore for stats. Follow post-game recaps on NHL.com, ESPN. Bridgestone Arena roars for Hockey Fights Cancer vibes from prior clash.
Engage: Predict scores online – Avs favored, but upsets loom. Relive highlights: Lehkonen's wrister, Schaefer's tip.
Looking Ahead: Series and Playoff Paths
December 13 at Ball Arena next – Avs home ice advantage. January 16 caps it. Colorado eyes deep playoff run; Nashville wild card hunt. Rivalry fuels Central chaos.
This Avalanche-Predators saga blends dominance, desperation, and drama – pure NHL poetry. Stay tuned as the puck flies tonight
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