The Nashville Predators host the New York Islanders at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday, Jan. 8 at 8 p.m. ET. The game will air on ESPN+. Nashville was handed a 6-2 loss on the road its last time out on Jan. 6 against the Edmonton Oilers. In its last game on Jan. 6, New York secured a 9-0 home victory over the New Jersey Devils.

Despite a strong finish to their road trip, the Predators' battle against elite competition highlighted the fine lines between success and defeat.

Coming off one of the most lopsided wins in franchise history, the New York Islanders look to carry the momentum into a seven-game road trip that begins with Thursday's matchup with the Nashville Predators.

I n a savannah, a good place for a predator to find food is a watering hole. The game is simple. Sit, wait and ambush any thirsty and unwary herbivore that walks up. Not so in a rainforest. When water is everywhere, watering holes lose their point and predators must find an alternative.

Brady Martin suffered an injury while playing for Canada at the World Junior Championships on Jan. 4. He left the game and did not return.

The Oilers are looking to put an end to some defensive struggles since New Year's Eve and increase their offence, while the Predators are looking to continue their recent run of results that have them competing back near the playoff places thanks to a strong month of December and their offensive turnaround.

The Predators have signed backup goalie Justus Annunen to a new extension contract just after the calendar flipped to 2026.

Ever wonder what animals really think when they encounter us? The image we hold of ourselves wandering peacefully through nature might be wildly different from how wildlife actually perceives our presence.