Wyshynski's column on ESPN raised the question fans keep asking: are the Nashville Predators being disrespected in the NHL Power Rankings? The AccuScore Market Index, built only from betting prices for NHL 2026–27 Week 6, offers a numbers-based answer — and it's not the one the "disrespected" crowd wants.
Nashville sits 7-4-5 and is aiming to keep its win streak going as it hosts the St. Louis Blues. But the Market Index has the Predators ranked 25th of 32 teams, with a rating of -4.43 pct — and that rank hasn't budged. Their previous rank was also 25th, meaning the betting market hasn't adjusted its view of Nashville at all despite the current run.
AccuScore's season simulation tells a more balanced story. The model projects Nashville to finish 40.3-31.4 and gives the Predators a 50.1% playoff probability — essentially a coin flip for a postseason spot. For tonight's game, AccuScore's simulation gives Nashville a 50.8% win probability against the Blues, who come in at 7-7-2 with their own 49.2% chance in that same simulation, and a 50.8% playoff probability of their own.
So where does that leave the "disrespect" argument? The Market Index — which reflects what bettors are actually pricing, not win-loss record — simply hasn't moved Nashville up the board. A 25th-place ranking with a -4.43 pct rating suggests the market views the Predators' start with real skepticism, record notwithstanding. AccuScore's own season model is more generous, putting them right around a 50/50 playoff team, but that's a far cry from treating Nashville as a top-tier club.
The numbers point to a split picture: AccuScore's simulation sees a competitive, roughly average team with a legitimate playoff shot, while the betting-price-based Market Index keeps them parked in the bottom third of the league. Tonight's result against St. Louis won't change that gap by itself — but another strong week might start to move the needle. For now, the data backs part of the complaint: the market hasn't given Nashville much credit yet.
Full schedule and more matchup simulations are available on AccuScore's NHL page.