The NHL built anticipation for the 2026-27 season on Thursday by announcing its 84-game regular-season schedule. The Nashville Predators have dates and times for the franchise's 29th season, starting on Thursday, Oct. 1, with a home matchup against the Minnesota Wild. Challenging Month of October and NovemberBack-to-BacksThe Predators have 11 back-to-backs on the 2026-27 schedule, with six coming as a pair of road games and the other five as a home-road split. Afternoon GamesThe Predators have 18 games starting at or before 5 p.m. CT this season, with 13 coming inside Bridgestone Arena.HolidaysNashville plays a handful of games around holidays this season with the most obvious conflict coming on New Year's Day.Frozen Frenzy and Regular Season FinaleLongest Home StandLongest Road TripThe Predators have two four-game road trips this season. The first starting on Dec. 6 and ending on Dec. 12 where they'll travel to St. Louis, Calgary, Vancouver and Seattle, and the second coming from Jan. 28 to Feb. 2 where they'll travel to San Jose, Anaheim, and play Utah twice in three days.No InternationalNashville wasn't chosen for the Winter Classic or to participate in the 2026 NHL Global Series. Rivals (Blackhawks, Red Wings, Ducks, Stars, Jets)Follow us on Twitter/X, Facebook, YouTube, Threads, Bluesky and Instagram for the latest news.