The Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators meet Thursday in NHL action at the Bridgestone Arena. Here’s a Predators vs. Blackhawks prediction. This article will include a Predators vs. Blackhawks pick.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Preview
The Chicago Blackhawks beat the Sharks and lost to the Blue Jackets, and they play the Avs next. The Blackhawks have lost 6 of their last 7 games.
The Chicago Blackhawks are averaging 2.65 goals per game and are scoring 19.1 percent of their power play opportunities. Tyler Bertuzzi leads Chicago with 25 goals, Connor Bedard has 30 assists and Frank Nazar has 89 shots on goal. Defensively, the Chicago Blackhawks are allowing 3.16 goals per game and are killing 85.4 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Spencer Knight has given up 102 goals on 1,104 shots faced, and Arvid Soderblom has allowed 64 goals on 507 shots.
Nashville Predators Betting Preview
The Nashville Predators lost to the Wild and Capitals, and they play the Stars next. The Predators have lost 5 of their last 7 games.
The Nashville Predators are averaging 2.91 goals per game and are scoring 21.8 percent of their power play opportunities. Steven Stamkos leads Nashville with 28 goals, Ryan O’Reilly has 36 assists and Filip Forsberg has 173 shots on goal. Defensively, the Nashville Predators are allowing 3.47 goals per game and are killing 80 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Juuse Saros has allowed 134 goals on 1,242 shots faced, and Justus Annunen has given up 49 goals on 422 shots.
Why the Nashville Predators will win
- The Predators have won each of their last 12 games as a home favorite when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- The Blackhawks have lost each of their last seven away games when playing with a rest advantage.
- The Blackhawks have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last six games following a road loss.
- The Predators have covered the puck line in each of their last three games against the Blackhawks following a road loss.
- The Predators have won the third period in seven of their last eight games as home favorites against Central Division opponents when leading after the second period.
Why the Chicago Blackhawks will win
- The Blackhawks have won five of their last six games as underdogs against Central Division opponents.
- The Predators have lost three of their last five games as a favorite when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- The Blackhawks have covered the puck line in each of their last nine games as underdogs against Central Division opponents.
- The Predators have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last six games as favorites.
- The Blackhawks have won the second period in each of their last four games against Central Division opponents when tied after the first period.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Predators’ last six home games has gone OVER the total goals line.
- Seven of the last eight games between two teams from the Central Division have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Seven of the Blackhawks’ last eight 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 Predators’ last six night games at Bridgestone Arena.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in 11 of the Blackhawks’ last 12 games at Bridgestone Arena against opponents on a losing streak.
Nashville Predators Player Prop Facts
- Steven Stamkos has scored at least one goal in each of the Predators’ last four home games.
- Roman Josi has recorded at least one assist in each of the Predators’ last five games against Western Conference opponents.
Chicago Blackhawks Player Prop Facts
- Connor Bedard has scored a goal in three of the Blackhawks’ last four games.
- Connor Bedard has recorded at least one assist in each of his last five road appearances against Central Division opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Nashville Predators rank 28th in the league for goals against per game this season (3.47).
- The Nashville Predators rank T1st in the league in short-handed goals allowed this season (0).
- The Chicago Blackhawks rank 1st in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (85.71%).
- The Chicago Blackhawks rank 26th in the league for goals per game this season (2.65).
Predators vs Blackhawks Prediction
Neither team entered the break in great form, but it’s the Predators who are the better team and have the edge on their home ice. The Blackhawks are still a young team trying to build winning habits and they’re hard to trust most nights. The Predators have won 8 of the last 10 games against the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks have scored 2 or fewer goals in 7 of their last 10 games. Not ideal for winning on the road. No excuses for the Predators here. Give me the home team.