The Nashville Predators will play the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday afternoon at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the Predators preview, Blue Jackets preview, betting matchup, and the Predators vs Blue Jackets prediction.
Predators Preview
The Nashville Predators are 36-25-3 this year after they defeated Buffalo by a score of 4-2 in their last game. Nashville was tied at one early in the first period, but they scored three of the final goals in the game for the win. The Predators were out shot by a total of 28-24 and went 2-3 on the power play in the game. Nashville lost to Montreal by a score of 4-3 in the game prior to Buffalo, but they did win the previous eight games. The Predators are scoring 3.19 goals per game and they are allowing 3.06 goals against per game, while going 20.2% on the power play and 76.8% on the penalty kill. Filip Forsberg has led Nashville with 33 goals, 34 assists, and 260 shots on goal. The projected starting goalie for Nashville is Juuse Saros, who is 27-21-3 this season with a 2.83 goals against average and a .907 save percentage.
Blue Jackets Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets are 22-31-10 this season after they defeated the Oilers by a score of 4-2 in their last game. Columbus had their 3-0 lead cut to 3-2 in the third period, but they added an empty net goal to pull away for the win. The Blue Jackets out shot Edmonton by a total of 34-31 and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Columbus lost to Pittsburgh by a score of 5-3 in the game prior to Edmonton, but did beat Vegas and Chicago before that. The Blue Jackets are scoring 3.00 goals per game and they are allowing 3.64 goals against per game, while going 14.4% on the power play and 76.2% on the penalty kill. Johnny Gaudreau has led Columbus with 10 goals, 35 assists, and 123 shots on goal. The projected starting goalie for Columbus is Elvis Merzlikins, who is 12-13-7 this year with a 3.21 goals against average and a .904 save percentage.
Columbus Blue Jackets Team Facts
- The Blue Jackets have lost 15 of their last 16 games following a win.
- The Blue Jackets have covered the puck line in each of their last six games as home underdogs against the Predators.
- The underdogs have won the third period in each of the last five games between the Predators and Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena.
- The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Blue Jackets’ last four day games.
Nashville Predators Team Facts
- The Predators have lost five of their last six games as favorites following a home win.
- The Predators have failed to cover the puck line in 12 of their last 13 games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The underdogs have won the third period in each of the Predators’ last five games at Nationwide Arena.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in 13 of the Predators’ last 14 games.
Predators vs Blue Jackets Betting Prediction
Nashville comes into this game as one of the hottest teams in the NHL and they have won nine of their last ten games, but they will be on the road here. The Predators are 18-10-2 on the road this year, while Columbus is only 12-16-4 at home. Nashville has been very good defensively over their last ten games, allowing two goals or fewer in eight of their last ten. Columbus has not had a very good season, but they have won three of their last four games, with wins against Edmonton and Vegas. Nashville plays their best hockey on the road and I like them to get the win, despite Columbus’ recent success. Take the Preds here.