The New York Rangers and the Nashville Predators meet in NHL action from the Bridgestone Arena on Saturday afternoon. Two teams in really good form over the last couple of weeks, who comes out on top? Let’s preview this game and give out a Rangers vs. Predators Prediction.
New York Rangers Team Preview
The New York Rangers come into this game looking to build on their 3-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings in their last matchup. Artemi Panarin leads the Rangers in scoring with 31 points including 12 goals and a team-high 19 assists while Chris Kreider has 20 points with a team-high 13 goals of his own. Vincent Trocheck has 17 points as well with 11 assists while Mika Zibanejad has 16 points and Erik Gustafsson has 15 points with 23 assists combined between the two. Igor Shesterkin has gone 9-4 with a 2.54 GAA and a .915 save percentage while Jonathan Quick is 6-0-1 with a 1.99 GAA and a .930 save percentage between the pipes for the Rangers this season.
New York Rangers Team Facts
The Rangers have won each of their last six games against opponents on a winning streak.
The Rangers have covered the puck line in nine of their last 10 day games following a win.
The Rangers have lost the second period in each of their last six games as favorites following a home win.
The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Rangers’ last seven day games against opponents on a winning streak.
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Nashville Predators Team Preview
The Nashville Predators come into this one looking to rebound after having their six-game win streak snapped with a 6-1 loss to Minnesota last time out. Filip Forsberg leads the Predators in scoring with 27 points including a team-high 12 goals and 15 assists while Ryan O’Reilly has 19 points with 10 goals of his own and 9 assists. Gustav Nyquist has 16 points with 13 assists while Roman Josi has 16 points of his own with 12 assists. Juuse Saros has made 18 starts in goal for Nashville this season, going 8-10 with a 3.17 GAA and an .895 save percentage while Kevin Lankinen is 3-1 with a 2.83 GAA and a .910 save percentage this season.
Nashville Predators Team Facts
- The Predators have won each of their last four games as home underdogs.
- The underdogs have covered the puck line in nine of the Predators’ last 10 games at Bridgestone Arena.
- The Predators have won the first period in each of their last four day games at Bridgestone Arena following a loss.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Predators’ last 12 games as underdogs.
Nashville Predators Team Facts
- The Predators have won each of their last four games as home underdogs.
- The underdogs have covered the puck line in nine of the Predators’ last 10 games at Bridgestone Arena.
- The Predators have won the first period in each of their last four day games at Bridgestone Arena following a loss.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Predators’ last 12 games as underdogs.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Nashville Predators ranks 27th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (73.61%).
- The Nashville Predators ranks 3rd in the league for Period 1 goals scored per game this season (1.23).
- The New York Rangers ranks 3rd in the league for goals against per game this season (2.43).
- The New York Rangers ranks 3rd in the league in power play percentage this season (29.23%).
Rangers vs. Predators Prediction
I’m backing the Rangers here. I know the Predators have played their better hockey at home and they’ve still won 6 of their last 7, but the road team’s had the bulk of the success in this matchup and the Rangers are one of the NHL’s best on the road this season. I’ll side with the Rangers at the reasonable price here.
