Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Today, like every day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the games happening and gives our predictions for each. We’ll also break down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play a part.

Thursday’s NHL slate will see the Nashville Predators (17-22-7) square off against the San Jose Sharks (14-30-6), starting at 10:30 PM ET at SAP Center at San Jose and broadcast on ESPN+. The Predators rank 14th in the Western Conference (41 points),

The Predators are likely to start Juuse Saros, who is looking for his 12th win of the season. The Sharks started former Predators prospect Yaroslav Askarov in net in Monday's 6-3 loss in Boston; they will likely will start Alexandar Georgiev on Tuesday.