In this article we will formulate a Predators vs Devils prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, March 26th 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 34-28-9 this season after they defeated the Sharks by a score of 6-3 in their last game. Nashville scored five goals in the first period and they were able to cruise to the easy win. The Predators were out shot by a total of 30-19, won 47.7% of the face-offs, and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. Nashville got goals from Evangelista, Forsberg, Stamkos, Wood, Josi, and Skjei, while Saros stopped 27 out of 30 shots, which was a .900 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Nashville defeated the Blackhawks by a score of 3-2 and the Golden Knights by a score of 4-1. The Predators have won five games in a row and they are currently fifth in the Central standings with 77 points. Nashville has scored 2.97 goals per game and they have allowed 3.30 goals against per game, while also going 23.2% on the power play and 80.8% on the penalty kill this season. Ryan O’Reilly has led Nashville with 24 goals and 42 assists, while Filip Forsberg has added 33 goals and 32 assists. The projected starting goalie for Nashville is Juuse Saros, who is 26-19-7 with a 3.11 goals against average and an .895 save percentage this season.
New Jersey Devils Betting Preview
The New Jersey Devils are 36-32-2 this year after they defeated the Stars by a score of 6-4 in their last game. New Jersey nearly blew a 4-1 lead, but they scored two goals in the third to seal the win. The Devils were out shot by a total of 27-25, won 50% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. New Jersey got goals from Bratt, Brown, Hughes (2), Meier, and Hamilton, while Allen stopped 23 out of 27 shots, which was an .852 save percentage.
Prior to that game, New Jersey lost to the Capitals by a score of 2-1, but did beat the Rangers by a score of 6-3 before that. The Devils have won four of their last five games and they are currently seventh in the Metro standings with 74 points. New Jersey has scored 2.70 goals per game and they have allowed 3.04 goals against per game, while also going 22.2% on the power play and 80.0% on the penalty kill this season. Jesper Bratt has led NJ with 18 goals and 39 assists, while Nico Hischier has added 24 goals and 29 assists. The projected starting goalie for New Jersey is Jacob Markstrom, who is 21-16-1 with a 3.10 goals against average and an .884 save percentage this season.
Why the Nashville Predators will win
- The Devils have lost each of their last eight Thursday road games.
- The Predators have won each of their last five games.
- The Predators have covered the puck line in each of their last five night games at Bridgestone Arena.
- The Devils have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last six Thursday games.
- The Devils have lost the third period in each of their last five games as underdogs when tied after the second period.
Why the New Jersey Devils will win
- The Devils have won three of their last four games as underdogs against Central Division opponents.
- The Predators have lost each of their last three night games following a home win.
- The Predators have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last seven games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Devils have covered the puck line in each of their last five road games against Central Division opponents.
- The Devils have won the second period in each of their last four games against Central Division opponents when trailing after the first period.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Devils’ last nine games against opponents on a winning streak have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Each of the Predators’ last six night games against Metropolitan Division opponents at Bridgestone Arena have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Devils’ last eight road games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3’ market has hit in each of the last six games between the Devils and Predators.
Nashville Predators Player Prop Facts
- Filip Forsberg has recorded at least one assist in seven of the Predators’ last eight night games at Bridgestone Arena.
- Filip Forsberg has scored a goal in each of the Predators’ last six night games at Bridgestone Arena.
New Jersey Devils Player Prop Facts
- Jesper Bratt has scored a goal in each of the Devils’ last four games.
- Jack Hughes has recorded at least one assist in each of his last nine Thursday road appearances.
- Nico Hischier has scored the last goal in three of the Devils’ last four games against Central Division opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Nashville Predators rank 26th in the league for goals against per game this season (3.30).
- The Nashville Predators rank T1st in the league in short handed goals allowed this season (2).
- The New Jersey Devils rank 27th in the league for goals per game this season (2.70).
- The New Jersey Devils rank 32nd in the league in penalty minutes this season (506).
Predators vs Devils Prediction
Nashville comes into this matchup looking to extend their five game winning streak and they are making a nice push for the playoffs. The Predators are 20-13-3 at home this year, while the Devils are 18-17-0 on the road. New Jersey has won four of their last five games and they have scored four goals or more in all four of those wins. The Devils are playing a wide open style of hockey right now and Nashville has scored at least four goals in three of their last five, so I like the over here.