The Nashville Predators visit the Columbus Blue Jackets in a crucial matchup with playoff implications. The Predators (58 points) look to clinch a playoff spot while the last-place Blue Jackets (43 points) aim to play spoiler.

Nashville enters as -170 favorites with an over/under of 5.0 goals. The Predators have won 4 of their last 6 games, including a recent shutout victory over Dallas.

Team Stats & Key Players:

Nashville Predators:

• Goals per game: 2.58
• Goals against: 2.75
• Goalie Juuse Saros: 19 wins, .930 save percentage
• Roman Josi: Team-leading 25 assists

Columbus Blue Jackets:

• Goals per game: 2.3
• Oliver Bjorkstrand: Team leader with 15 goals, 24 assists
• Recent struggles: Only 1 win in past 3 weeks

Game Analysis:

• Nashville's defensive-minded approach keeps games low-scoring
• Columbus has stayed competitive despite offensive struggles
• One goal could be the difference given both teams' styles
• Blue Jackets need scoring breakthrough to pull upset

The Predators' playoff push and defensive prowess give them an edge, but Columbus' ability to keep games close makes them dangerous as spoilers. A tight, low-scoring affair is expected between these Central Division rivals.

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