Blue Jackets game #1 preview, time to flip the script in Nashville

The 2025-26 season has finally arrived. The Blue Jackets will get things started tonight in Nashville, taking on the Predators in their first game of the regular season.

It should be noted: this is probably the worst possible place for them to start their season. In their 25 year existence, the Jackets have not done much partying in Nashville.

In fact, of any facility where they've played more than 7 games, Bridgestone Arena (or whatever its current iteration has been) has been their most unfriendly environment.

The Jackets boast a record of 9-36-7 (plus one tie) all-time in Nashville, good enough for a paltry .245% win rate. It's simply never easy down there, for whatever reason.

The opponent:

The Predators finished last season as the third worst team in the entire NHL, with a record of 30-44-8 (68 points). That came after a summer of big spending, where they brought in veteran stars Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marshessault, and Brady Skjei.

Don't let their 2024-25 record fool you: this is still a very good Predators team. They have star power at every position, and plenty of experience to go with it. The Jackets cannot go into this game with the mindset that this team finished 30th last season and will be easy to defeat.

I expect the Preds to be hungry to start this season. It's their home opener, and like the Blue Jackets, they have a lot to prove. Here's how they'll line up:

Three Preds to watch: Roman Josi, Filip Forsberg, Brady Martin

We know the first two very well. Roman Josi is one of the top defensemen in the NHL. Filip Forsberg is an elite scoring winger. Both of them have tormented the Blue Jackets throughout their entire careers in Nashville. It's important to at least somewhat contain these two, if they are going to have any chance at winning this game.

The other guy I singled out here? 18 year old Brady Martin looks set to make his NHL debut tonight as the top line center for the Predators. He was the third overall pick at this summer's draft, and they hope he will breathe some fresh, youthful air into their lineup.

How about the good guys?

We finally know our starting goaltender, and that was the last piece of the puzzle to be put together. Tonight, Jet Greaves will get the nod per Dean Evason. The Jackets will line up like this: (with Greaves in goal)

Three Jackets to watch: Zach Werenski, Jet Greaves, Charlie Coyle

Zach Werenski has to start this list off, after finishing second in Norris Trophy voting last season. Can he continue to play like one of the game's most elite defensemen?

Meanwhile, Jet Greaves earns the opening night crease, and there couldn't be a better opportunity for him to dive into his first full NHL season. He'll start against the game's premier "undersized" goaltender, Juuse Saros. If he can make some big saves (especially early on), the Jackets will have a chance to steal this one.

Lastly, Charlie Coyle gets a fresh start in Columbus, and he brings a variety of traits that this team was sorely lacking last year. I'll be keeping an eye on the big right-shot center to provide some depth and support on both sides of the puck tonight.

Three keys to success:

1. Weather the storm. The Predators should come out flying tonight, so the first 10 minutes of this game are critical. If the Jackets can hold them off, they will improve their odds. Better yet, try to throw a big hit early, or score the first goal to quiet the crowd at Bridgestone.

2. Special teams. Find a way to win the special teams battle. This is something this team has struggled with throughout it existence, so it's vital that the power-play and penalty kill units get started on the right foot this season.

3. Impose your will. Play Blue Jackets hockey, that's it. Finish every check, get bodies in front of Saros, and win the physical battle.

We're excited for another year of Blue Jackets hockey! Hopefully, they can come away with a rare two points from Nashville tonight. Puck drop is at 8:00 Eastern, and you can catch this one via Fan Duel Sports Network, ESPN+, or on the radio.