Avalanche vs. Predators: Projected Lineups for December 9, 2025
The Colorado Avalanche, boasting a strong 21-2-6 record, are set to face off against the Nashville Predators (10-14-4) at Bridgestone Arena tonight. The Avalanche are completing a four-game road trip. This is the second meeting between the two teams this season, with Colorado having won the first game 3-0.
Avalanche Projected Lineup
Here's the projected lineup for the Colorado Avalanche:
- Forwards: Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas Gabriel Landeskog — Brock Nelson — Ross Colton Valeri Nichushkin — Jack Drury — Victor Olofsson Parker Kelly — Zakhar Bardakov — Joel Kiviranta
- Defense: Devon Toews — Cale Makar Josh Manson — Brent Burns Samuel Girard — Sam Malinski
- Goalies: Scott Wedgewood, Mackenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood is expected to start in goal after recovering from a back injury that sidelined him for five games. Martin Necas's status is uncertain due to an illness, making him a game-time decision. Logan O'Connor remains out due to hip surgery. Recent performance has seen the Avalanche maintain an 8-1-1 record over their last 10 games, averaging 3.7 goals per game while giving up just 1.7.
Predators Projected Lineup
The Nashville Predators are expected to line up as follows:
- 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 — Adam Wilsby Spencer Stastney — Nick Blankenburg
- Goalies: Juuse Saros, Justus Annunen
The Predators' injury list includes Ozzy Wiesblatt (upper body), Cole Smith (lower body), Justin Barron (lower body), and Nick Perbix (upper body). Smith, despite practicing recently, will not be playing. Filip Forsberg leads the Predators in scoring with 10 goals and nine assists. Steven Stamkos has been performing well recently, with five goals and two assists in his last 10 games.
Keys to the Game
For the Avalanche, maintaining their strong offensive output and capitalizing on their opponent's defensive vulnerabilities will be crucial. Nathan MacKinnon, who has 24 goals and 25 assists this season, will be a key player to watch. The Avalanche have been on a remarkable run, becoming only the second team in NHL history to have just one regulation loss through the first 25 games of the season.
The Predators, on the other hand, will need a strong performance from Juuse Saros in goal and must find a way to contain the Avalanche's potent offense. Roman Josi's return to the lineup has been a boost, and his performance will be vital. Nashville has a 5-5-0 record in their last 10 games, averaging 2.7 goals per game but allowing 3.1. The Predators will need to improve their defensive game to secure a win against the high-scoring Avalanche.
