The Nashville Predators return to Bridgestone Arena on Monday night hoping to end a difficult and disappointing season on a positive note, as they prepare to face the Utah Hockey Club in their final game of the 2024–25 NHL campaign. With a 29–43–8 record, the Predators have endured a season plagued by inconsistency, injuries, and offensive underproduction, ultimately finding themselves near the bottom of the Central Division standings. Though there have been a handful of bright spots, particularly in the form of Filip Forsberg’s continued offensive output—leading the team with 73 points including 31 goals—the Predators have struggled to generate momentum, especially at home. Their offense has been among the league’s least effective, averaging just 2.55 goals per game, while defensively they’ve allowed 3.33 goals against per contest, pointing to systemic issues that have often left goaltender Juuse Saros exposed and overworked. Saros, while still capable of making spectacular saves, enters this game with a 19–30–6 record, a 2.97 GAA, and a .896 save percentage—numbers that reflect not just his performance but the high volume of dangerous chances he’s been forced to face all season. Injuries have also impacted Nashville’s ability to compete consistently, with key pieces like Roman Josi and Colton Sissons missing significant time, which has disrupted both defensive pairings and special teams units.

Although the Predators still possess some veteran leadership and a proud locker room, they’ve shown a pattern of failing to build off positive results, having not covered the puck line in any of their last seven home games following a win. That lack of follow-through has been emblematic of a season where every step forward has been met with two steps back. Monday’s game against a surging Utah team presents a difficult challenge, especially with the visitors playing confident, fast-paced hockey and carrying strong special teams numbers into the matchup. However, for Nashville, this game offers a final opportunity to reward fans with a win, evaluate younger talent in expanded roles, and send a message that the team is still engaged, professional, and determined to rebound next year. While playoff implications may be absent, the importance of finishing strong is not lost on a group that knows an organizational reset is likely coming. The focus will be on defensive responsibility, timely scoring, and trying to control pace against a Utah team that’s shown the ability to turn mistakes into goals. A well-rounded performance, particularly from depth players and younger skaters hoping to secure roster spots for next season, could go a long way toward establishing a more positive offseason narrative. As the curtain closes on a frustrating campaign, the Predators have one last chance to show they haven’t quit—and that there’s still heart and fight left in this proud franchise.