In this article we will formulate a Predators vs Blackhawks prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, January 10th at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Nashville Predators Betting Preview
The Nashville Predators are 20-19-4 this season after they defeated the Islanders in a shootout by a score of 2-1 in their last game. Nashville tied the game at one late in the second period and they were able to play great defense, before getting the win in a shootout. The Predators were out shot by a total of 31-27, won 52.8% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Nashville got their lone goal from O’Reilly, while Saros stopped 30 out of 31 shots, which was a .968 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Nashville lost to the Oilers by a score of 6-2, but did beat the Flames by a score of 4-3 before that. The Predators have alternated wins and losses over their last five games and they are currently fifth in the Central standings with 44 points. Nashville has scored 2.77 goals per game and they have allowed 3.33 goals against per game, while also going 19.7% on the power play and 81.7% on the penalty kill this season. Ryan O’Reilly has led Nashville with 13 goals and 24 assists, while Filip Forsberg has added 16 goals and 15 assists. The projected starting goalie for Nashville is Juuse Saros, who is 17-14-3 with a 2.96 goals against average and an .897 save percentage this season.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Preview
The Chicago Blackhawks are 18-19-7 this year after they lost to Washington by a score of 5-1 in their last game. Chicago cut the deficit to 3-1 in the second period, but they allowed the last two goals in the lopsided loss. The Blackhawks recorded 24 shots on goal, won 53.8% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Chicago got their lone goal from Moore, while Commesso stopped 19 out of 24 shots, which was a .792 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Chicago defeated the Blues by a score of 7-3 and the Golden Knights by a score of 3-2. The Blackhawks have won four of their last five games and they are currently sixth in the Central standings with 43 points. Chicago has scored 2.86 goals per game and they have allowed 3.12 goals against per game, while also going 23.0% on the power play and 84.4% on the penalty kill this season. Connor Bedard has led Chicago with 19 goals and 25 assists, while Tyler Bertuzzi has added 22 goals and 12 assists. The projected starting goalie for Chicago is Arvid Soderblom, who is 5-7-1 with a 3.87 goals against average and an .873 save percentage this year.
Why the Nashville Predators will win
- The Blackhawks have lost each of their last nine games at Bridgestone Arena following a loss.
- The Predators have won each of their last 11 games as home favorites against Central Division opponents.
- The Predators have covered the puck line in each of their last six home games after coming off a shootout.
- The Blackhawks have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Predators have won the third period in eight of their last nine games as home favorites against Central Division opponents.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the last six games between two teams from the Central Division have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the Predators’ last six home games against the Blackhawks following a win have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Each of the Blackhawks’ last four night games at Bridgestone Arena have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Blackhawks’ last eight games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Predators’ last eight games against Central Division opponents.
Nashville Predators Player Prop Facts
- Steven Stamkos has scored at least one goal in nine of his last 10 appearances with his team as a home favorite against Central Division opponents.
- Nick Blankenburg has recorded an assist in each of the Predators’ last four games against the Blackhawks.
Chicago Blackhawks Player Prop Facts
- Tyler Bertuzzi has scored at least one goal in four of the Blackhawks’ last five games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- Connor Bedard has recorded at least one assist in each of his last five appearances after playing the previous day.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Nashville Predators rank 26th in the league for goals against per game this season (3.33).
- The Nashville Predators rank 25th in the league for goals per game this season (2.77).
- The Chicago Blackhawks rank 3rd in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (84.72%).
- The Chicago Blackhawks rank 8th in the league in power play percentage this season (23.02%).
Predators vs Blackhawks Prediction
Chicago had their winning streak snapped in an ugly loss on Friday night, so they will be on a back to back here. The Blackhawks are 8-10-3 on the road this year, while the Predators are 11-9-2 at home. Nashville has played better over the last few weeks, but they have scored two goals or fewer in three of their last four. The Predators are one of the lower scoring teams in the NHL, but they do have a 4-3 win over Chicago back in November. The Blackhawks are dealing with injuries and their goalie situation is up in the air, so I will take the Predators to win by at least two goals here.