Jan 8th, Predators vs Islanders
This will be Nashville's first time playing against first overall pick Matthew Schaefer. In terms of its importance, it allows the Preds to see what they could've had given that they went first overall. Even though Brady Martin is a pretty good selection, having Schaefer would've been better. The two teams got a similar lineup in a way, with both having a mixture of youth and veteran culture in the locker room.
Feb 5th, Predators @ Capitals
This is the final games the Preds play before the highly anticipated 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. The team most start the break with confidence so a win would be sweet. It's also the first game that we'll play against the league's new all-time goals scoring leader Alex Ovechkin. Expect players like Fedor Svechkov to be eager to play against their national treasures.
Mar 21st, Predators vs Vegas
This would be part 2 of the Vegas rivalry this season. In this event however, Nashville will be welcoming back two of their players. Sissons especially, and Lauzon will have a long-standing ovation from the league's greatest fans. It'll be Sissons first time playing against his draft squad. In Lauzon's case, he'll have to try to outcompete his replacement in Hague. Marchessault will need to show Vegas what they missed out on once again while also putting on a show on the ice for Smashville.
Apr 11th, 13th, & 16th, Predators vs Wild, Sharks, and Ducks
The Predators will end off their season with a 3-game homestand again squads of animals. They'll start by out-wilding the Minnesota Wild in an early 4pm game. Nashville will then begin the next workweek by messing with the San Jose Sharks and wrap it up with a Duck hunt in game 82 of the season. Even though the schedule leading up to this point is filled with tough opponents, finishing it with some fun-filled hockey will ease the nerves going into the playoffs—if they do make it.