New York Islanders vs Nashville Predators Picks & Predictions for Thursday, January 8, 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 01/08/2026, 12:30 AM ET

The New York Islanders head to Bridgestone Arena to face the Nashville Predators on Thursday night (8:00 PM ET, ESPN+/Hulu/Disney+). New York is 24-15-4 (10-7-2 away) while Nashville is 19-19-4 (10-9-2 home). Despite the Islanders owning the better record, the Predators are slight home favorites at -130 (NYI +110). The total is 5.5 (Over -120, Under EVEN). Be ready for all the action with our free NHL picks.

New York Islanders Team Breakdown

The Islanders’ identity has been defense-first with dependable goaltending: 2.70 goals against per game is strong, and they’re not a “run-and-gun” club at 2.91 goals for per game. What has changed lately is their ability to spike offensively—most notably that 9-0 demolition of New Jersey on January 6, which shows they can bury teams when their top lines get rolling and the game stays on their terms.

In net, New York has a genuine advantage: Ilya Sorokin (2.45 GAA, .915 SV%) is elite-level reliable, and David Rittich (2.48 GAA, .907 SV%) has been more than steady. That’s huge in a matchup where the opponent’s goaltending numbers have been shakier.

Injury Report (Islanders):

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Bo Horvat (Day-to-Day, Jan 8)
Kyle Palmieri (IR, est. Sep 15)

Nashville Predators Team Breakdown

Nashville has been more volatile. Offensively they’re at 2.81 goals per game, but defensively the leak has been real at 3.38 goals against per game—and that’s a scary combination against a team that can play low-event hockey and punish mistakes.

The Preds’ special teams are a plus: their power play is listed at 19.8%, which can keep them competitive if New York takes penalties. Still, the overall profile points to a club that has to win with timely goals and home-ice energy rather than consistent five-on-five dominance.

Goaltending: Juuse Saros (3.03 GAA, .894 SV%) hasn’t been at his peak by these numbers, and if Nashville ends up needing Justus Annunen (3.29 GAA, .878 SV%), that’s not the side you want to be holding against Sorokin.

Injury Report (Predators):

Jonathan Marchessault (Day-to-Day, Jan 8)

Matchup Edges and Game Script

This line feels like it’s pricing in Nashville at home, but the cleaner “trust” angles point to New York: better record, better defensive number, and a clear edge in net. If the Islanders keep this at five-on-five and avoid gifting power plays, Nashville’s path narrows—because the Preds’ defensive issues tend to show up over a full 60 minutes, especially if they’re chasing.

The total at 5.5 is interesting: New York plays tighter overall, and with Sorokin in the mix, the Under has a logical foundation. The caution is that Nashville’s GA/G is high enough to blow up an Under if the Islanders finish efficiently.

Islanders vs Predators Picks & Predictions

Best Bet: New York Islanders moneyline (+110) You’re getting plus money with the side that has the better season profile and the goaltending edge. If Sorokin starts, this price is especially attractive.

Total Lean: Under 5.5 (EVEN) New York’s defensive structure + high-end goaltending sets up a lower-event game—so long as special teams don’t turn it into a parade to the box.

Prop/Alt Look: Islanders +1.5 (-230) Not much value at that juice, but it’s a “safer-leg” option if you’re building parlays and expect a one-goal type game.

Final Score Prediction: Islanders 3, Predators 2

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