In this article, we will formulate a Predators vs Devils Prediction for this NHL game on Sunday, February 23rd at the Bridgestone Arena. Let’s take a look at a Nashville Predators vs New Jersey Devils pick.
Predators Defense Stepped Up
The Predators defense stepped up on Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche. Against a very good offense, the defense gave up one goal. They only had 17 shots on goal, and two went in the back of the net. Two key stats that pop out from the game. That was the difference. They won 53.1 percent of the faceoffs and also had 21 blocked shots. They did everything they could to make life difficult, including putting their body on the line. Juuse Saros was in goal, and he dominated, saving 31 of the 32 shots. Two games ago against the Buffalo Sabres, the Predators came away with a 6-4 victory.
The Predators are averaging only 2.64 goals per game, and even on Saturday, when they won, the offense wasn’t exactly elite. It’s even a bit more shocking they struggle to score because they are 4th ranked in the league in terms of goals scored per game. Zachary L’Heureux is dealing with an upper-body injury, and he’s questionable for this game. Justus Annuen could get the start here, with Saros starting on Saturday. He sits with a 13-7 record overall and is giving up 3.07 goals per game.
Why the Predators Will Beat the Devils
- The Predators have won each of their last six games as home underdogs following a home win.
- The Devils have lost each of their last five games as favorites on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Predators have covered the puck line in each of their last eight games as home underdogs following a home win.
- The Devils have failed to cover the puck line in 12 of their last 13 road games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Devils have lost the third period in five of their last six road games against Central Division opponents when trailing after the second period
Devils Fell Short
The Devils faced off against the Dallas Stars on Saturday, and they struggled. At the end of the first period, they were down 2-0. The Devils got it within 3-1, but they only managed one goal for the rest of the game. The Devils had four power play opportunities, and all they did with those chances was give up a goal. Jake Allen was in goal, and he saved 22 of the 25 shots that he faced. Jack Hughes did have another big game, scoring two goals. The rest of the offense needs to step up here.
The Devils are averaging 3.04 goals, while their defense is giving up 2.5 goals per game. The Devils have a bad combination here with tired legs and a loss on Saturday. With Jake Allen starting on Saturday, Nicholas Daws could get the start in this game. So far this season he sits with a 1-0-0 record and he’s giving up 1.44 goals per game. The Devils can’t have a repeat of Saturday with their goaltending, or this is going to be another loss.
Why the Devils Will Beat the Predators
- The Devils have won each of their last five night games against opponents on a winning streak.
- The Predators have lost six of their last eight games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The road team has covered the puck line in each of the Devils’ last three games.
- The Predators have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last nine games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Devils have won the third period in eight of their last 10 games against Western Conference opponents when leading after the second period.
Predators vs Devils Prediction
The Devils and Predators are going to be involved in a lower-scoring game. The Devils should probably start Daws in this game, and in the two games played, he has given up only two goals in total. The Predator’s offense has been a major problem this season, and even on Saturday, when they won, the offense was a major problem, scoring only a couple of goals. The Devils defense is ranked 2nd, giving up only 2.5 goals. The under is 4-0 in the Devils last four games against the Central. That trend will continue here, and this game will end up staying under the total. Look for only 3 or 4 goals to be scored.