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Predators Blank on Opening Night as Blue Jackets Strike Early and Often

Game One: Blue Jackets 3 vs Predators 0

10/9/2025 • Neil Burkholder

Nashville, TN — October 9, 2025

It wasn’t the debut Nashville had envisioned for the 2025-26 campaign. Despite a charged crowd inside Bridgestone Arena, the Predators couldn’t find a way past Columbus netminder Jacob Markstrom, who turned aside all 24 shots en route to a 3-0 shutout victory for the Blue Jackets.

The Predators generated spurts of pressure — including two lengthy power plays in the second period — but couldn’t convert, finishing 0-for-5 on the man advantage. Markstrom was sharp, square to every puck, denying Reilly Smith on a breakaway late in the first and flashing the glove on Lawson Crouse’s slot attempt midway through the third.

“We had our looks,” said Nashville captain Jacob Trouba, who logged over 26 minutes of ice time. “Markstrom was really good tonight, but we’ve got to make it harder on him. Too much perimeter play, not enough traffic.”

Columbus capitalized on their chances, opening the scoring at 11:40 of the first when Stefan Noesen beat Jake Allen from the high slot after a setup from Dmitry Orlov. Rookie winger Bobby Brink doubled the lead early in the second, finishing off a crisp passing play from Cole Sillinger, who also assisted on Drew Doughty’s power-play blast that capped the scoring.

Allen, making his first start of the season, stopped 32 of 35 shots and kept the Predators close despite a lopsided stretch in the middle frame where the Jackets controlled possession and outshot Nashville 9-2 over ten minutes.

Head coach Lane Lambert emphasized that it’s early and that the group is still finding rhythm:

“Our compete was there. The execution wasn’t. That’s fixable. We’ll regroup and come out sharper next game.”

The Predators’ top line — Fabbri, Smith, and Crouse — were held without a point but drew three of Nashville’s five power plays. On the back end, Trouba and Marcus Pettersson each finished -2 but led the team in blocked shots with three apiece.

Columbus, meanwhile, saw Cole Sillinger (2 assists) and Scott Mayfield (2 assists) set the tone offensively, while veteran Drew Doughty’s booming point shot sealed the outcome.

The Predators will look to rebound when they travel to face the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM CST.

GAME AT A GLANCE

Final: Blue Jackets 3, Predators 0

Shots: CBJ 35, NSH 24

Power Play: NSH 0/5, CBJ 1/3

Top Performer: Jacob Markstrom (24-save shutout)

Attendance: 17,113 (Bridgestone Arena)