Nashville Predators vs Boston Bruins Picks and Predictions for Thursday, October 22, 2026

Nashville heads to Boston on Thursday after finally getting back in the win column. The Predators visit TD Garden for a 7:00 pm ET game on ESPN+. Nashville is 3-2-3, sitting sixth in the Central Division with nine points. The Predators beat St. Louis 5-2 on Saturday after losing three straight, two of them in shootouts. Boston has been much steadier at 7-2-1, leading the Atlantic Division with 15 points. The Bruins took Dallas to overtime on Tuesday before falling 3-2, ending a four-game winning streak. Build your bankroll with our free NHL picks.

Nashville Finally Gets Some Goals

Five goals against St. Louis must have felt like a relief for Nashville. The Predators had scored twice in each of their previous three games, losing to San Jose in a shootout, Vegas in regulation and Ottawa in another shootout. They also beat Montreal 5-2 earlier this month, so the offense has shown flashes. Still, Nashville averages 2.88 goals and only 24.4 shots per game. That's not much room for error against a goalie playing as well as Jeremy Swayman. The Predators have been better at keeping goals out, allowing 2.75 per game.

Steven Stamkos has four goals and six assists, giving him 10 points through eight games. Roman Josi is right behind with nine points, including eight assists, while Filip Forsberg has eight points. Ryan O'Reilly has scored four times. Nashville has done real damage on the power play, converting 29.6% of its chances, and its penalty kill stands at 85.2%. Juuse Saros has handled the goaltending duties, posting a 2.82 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. His numbers give Nashville a chance if the offense stalls again.

Injuries: Mavrik Bourque is day-to-day.

Boston Has Been Tough to Beat

Boston's four-game winning streak ended Tuesday, although the Bruins still earned a point in their 3-2 overtime loss at Dallas. Before that, they beat Los Angeles 4-1, Anaheim 4-2, San Jose 6-3 and Philadelphia 5-1. That's 19 goals scored across four victories, with no opponent getting more than three. The Bruins average 3.60 goals per game while allowing only 2.20. Boston doesn't flood the net with shots, averaging 24.9, but the finishing has been good. The team's goaltending has helped protect those leads as well.

David Pastrnak leads Boston with 12 points, including four goals and eight assists. Fraser Minten has four goals and four assists, and Morgan Geekie has seven assists. James Hagens has chipped in three goals, while Matthew Poitras has four in seven appearances. Jeremy Swayman has been outstanding in goal, going 6-1-1 with a 1.98 goals-against average, a .928 save percentage and one shutout. Michael DiPietro has also contributed, recording a .912 save percentage. Boston has options up front and reliable goaltending behind them.

Injuries: No reported injuries.

Key To The Game

Nashville's power play is converting 29.6%, but Boston has allowed just 2.20 goals per game. Staying out of the penalty box matters for the Bruins, who have taken 125 penalty minutes. At even strength, Swayman's form gives Boston a considerable advantage.

Nashville vs Boston Game Pick

• Boston Bruins

Boston has been winning with a combination of timely scoring and strong goaltending. The Bruins took four straight games before their overtime loss in Dallas, and Swayman has a 1.98 goals-against average. Nashville's power play is dangerous, but its offense has been inconsistent, scoring two goals in three consecutive games before beating St. Louis. Boston will make better use of its chances and win at home Thursday night against Nashville.

Nashville vs Boston Over/Under Pick

• Under

Swayman has allowed fewer than two goals per game, and Boston's team goals-against average is just 2.20. Nashville isn't generating many shots, averaging 24.4 per outing, and Saros has kept the Predators competitive with a .906 save percentage. The Bruins don't need to turn this into a high-scoring game to win. With both goaltenders capable of controlling play all night, this matchup will finish Under on Thursday night in Boston.