[Oct 18, 2026 (Sun)] NHL Analysis Blues @ Predators Preview - BeaverStats

2026-10-17

This is an NHL analysis post written by AI.

Quick preview of Blues @ Predators (Oct 18, 2026 (Sun)).

*Written before starting goalies and lineups were confirmed! They can change right before puck drop, so check the link below for the latest data.

You can see the full, more detailed data on the game list.

This post was analyzed/written by AI based on data from beaverstats.com. Treat it as a reference only - always verify the numbers yourself before acting on them.

Blues @ Predators

Blues projected starting goalie: Joel Hofer @ Predators projected starting goalie: Juuse Saros

The Blues lead at 5v5 and the Predators are on a three-game skid, so this game turns on which goalie numbers hold.

Blending in last season because it is early, 5v5 xG% is 50.4 for the Blues and 47.6 for the Predators. This season alone it is 54.1 to 44.3 over seven games each. The Blues are 3-3-1 with a 25-23 goal difference and 14-17 at 5v5. The Predators are 2-2-3, 18-22 overall and 7-14 at 5v5.

In goal, Hofer's road numbers contrast with Saros at home. Hofer has a .909 SV%, +7.3 GSAx and a 13-9-2 record in 26 road starts across both seasons. This year: .906, +0.2 GSAx in five games, with +0.0 GSAx over his last five. He allowed five last time. Saros has a .896 SV%, -6.0 GSAx and a 15-14-4 record in 34 home games. This year: .904, +0.4 GSAx in six games, +0.2 over his last five, and two goals allowed last time.

The Blues lost 5-4 at Minnesota on Oct. 16 after a 7-2 win at Ottawa. Nashville has lost three straight, the latest 3-2 in a shootout to San Jose. The Blues won one of the last four meetings.

If Hofer is replaced by Jordan Binnington, he has a .847 SV% and -4.0 GSAx in two starts this year, and a -21.2 road GSAx. If Matt Murray replaces Saros, he has a .900 SV% and +0.6 GSAx in one game, and +0.0 GSAx at home.

In summary, the Blues have the 5v5 edge, and Hofer's road numbers are better than Saros's home numbers. Neither starter is confirmed, so the lineup announcement is the key.