The Nashville Predators are set to face off against the St. Louis Blues at Enterprise Center on December 15, 2025. Here's a look at the projected lineups and what to expect from both teams.

Nashville Predators Projected Lineup

The Predators (12-15-4) will likely ice the following lineup:

• Forwards:
  • Steven Stamkos — Ryan O'Reilly — Luke Evangelista
  • Filip Forsberg — Fedor Svechkov — Matthew Wood
  • Michael Bunting — Erik Haula — Jonathan Marchessault
  • Reid Schaefer — Michael McCarron — Tyson Jost
• Defense:
  • Nicolas Hague — Roman Josi
  • Brady Skjei — Nick Perbix
  • Adam Wilsby — Nick Blankenburg
• Goalies:
  • Juuse Saros
  • Justus Annunen

Injuries: Ozzy Wiesblatt (upper body), Cole Smith (lower body), and Justin Barron (lower body) are currently injured and will not be available for the Predators.

St. Louis Blues Projected Lineup

The Blues (12-14-7) are expected to counter with these players:

• Forwards:
  • Jake Neighbours — Robert Thomas — Pavel Buchnevich
  • Robby Fabbri — Brayden Schenn — Mathieu Joseph
  • Pius Suter — Dalibor Dvorsky — Hugh McGing
  • Alexey Toropchenko — Oskar Sundqvist — Matt Luff
• Defense:
  • Philip Broberg — Colton Parayko
  • Tyler Tucker — Justin Faulk
  • Cam Fowler — Logan Mailloux
• Goalies:
  • Joel Hofer
  • Jordan Binnington

Injuries: The Blues have a number of players sidelined, including Jordan Kyrou (lower body), Dylan Holloway (high ankle sprain), Jimmy Snuggerud (wrist), Nick Bjugstad (upper body), and Nathan Walker (upper body). Holloway is expected to miss six weeks after suffering an injury during Sunday's practice.

Storylines to Watch

• O'Reilly Returns to St. Louis: Ryan O'Reilly, now with the Predators, is set to play against his former team, the St. Louis Blues. O'Reilly's experience against the Blues and his familiarity with Enterprise Center could be a factor in the game.
• Fabbri's Opportunity: With Dylan Holloway injured, Robby Fabbri is expected to move into the top six for the Blues, providing him with a significant opportunity.
• Toropchenko's Return: After missing seven games due to leg burns sustained in a home accident, Alexey Toropchenko is set to return to the Blues' lineup.
• Special Teams: The Blues' power play has been struggling, operating at just 7.9% over their last 10 games. The Predators will need to capitalize on their power play opportunities, where they are converting at 17.3%.
• Goaltending Matchup: Joel Hofer is expected to start in goal for the Blues. He has a 1.76 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage in his last 10 games. Juuse Saros is likely to start for the Predators.

Prediction

The sportsbooks predict a close game, with the Blues being slight favorites. However, some analysts are favoring the Predators, especially with Ryan O'Reilly's return to St. Louis.

Given the injuries on both sides and the recent performances, this game is expected to be a tightly contested affair.