In this article we will formulate a Predators vs Ducks prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, April 16th 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 38-33-10 this year after they lost to the Sharks by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Nashville cut the deficit to 2-1 and 3-2 in the third, but couldn’t find the tying goal either time in the loss. The Predators out shot SJ by a total of 28-23, won 50% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Nashville got both of their goals from Evangelista, while Annunen stopped 20 out of 22 shots, which was a .909 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Nashville defeated the Wild by a score of 2-1, but lost to the Mammoth by a score of 4-1 before that. The Predators have alternated wins and losses over their last six games and they are currently fifth in the Central standings with 86 points. Nashville has scored 2.94 goals per game and they have allowed 3.24 goals against per game, while also going 22.6% on the power play and 81.7% on the penalty kill this season. Filip Forsberg has led Nashville with 38 goals and 35 assists, while Ryan O’Reilly has added 25 goals and 48 assists. The projected starting goalie for Nashville is Juuse Saros, who is 28-21-8 with a 3.13 goals against average and an .894 save percentage this year.
Anaheim Ducks Betting Preview
The Anaheim Ducks are 42-33-6 this season after they lost to the Wild by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Anaheim led 1-0 in the first period, but they allowed the next three goals and lost to a Minnesota team that was resting players. The Ducks out shot Minnesota by a total of 37-20, won 53.4% of the face-offs, and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. Anaheim got both of their goals from McTavish, while Dostal stopped 17 out of 20 shots, which was an .850 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Anaheim lost to the Canucks by a score of 4-3, but did beat the Sharks by a score of 6-1 before that. The Ducks have lost eight of their last nine games and they are currently third in the Pacific standings with 90 points. Anaheim has scored 3.21 goals per game and they have allowed 3.51 goals against per game, while also going 18.6% on the power play and 76.9% on the penalty kill this season. Cutter Gauthier has led Anaheim with 40 goals and 28 assists, while Leo Carlsson has added 29 goals and 37 assists. The projected starting goalie for Anaheim is Lukas Dostal, who is 30-20-4 with a 3.10 goals against average and an .888 save percentage this year.
Why the Nashville Predators will win
- The Ducks have lost eight of their last nine games.
- The Predators have won five of their last six home games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Predators have covered the puck line in seven of their last eight games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Ducks have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last six Thursday road games.
- The Predators have won the third period in each of their last four home games following a home loss.
Why the Anaheim Ducks will win
- The Predators have lost each of their last five games following a home loss.
- The Ducks have won each of their last four road games against the Predators.
- The Ducks have covered the puck line in seven of their last eight road games against the Predators.
- The Predators have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five night games at Bridgestone Arena against opponents on a losing streak.
- The Ducks have won the second period in each of their last eight games against the Predators when leading after the first period.
Total Goals Facts
- Seven of the Ducks’ last eight road games against Central Division opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Each of the Predators’ last five games have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in seven of the Ducks’ last eight games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in six of the Predators’ last seven night games at Bridgestone Arena against opponents on a losing streak.
Nashville Predators Player Prop Facts
- Steven Stamkos has scored at least one goal in eight of the Predators’ last 10 home games against Western Conference opponents.
- Roman Josi has recorded at least one assist in each of the Predators’ last five games against Pacific Division opponents.
Anaheim Ducks Player Prop Facts
- Troy Terry has scored a goal in four of the Ducks’ last five road games against the Predators.
- John Carlson has recorded at least one assist in eight of his last 10 road appearances against the Predators.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Nashville Predators rank 5th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (81.67%).
- The Nashville Predators rank 25th in the league for goals against per game this season (3.23).
- The Anaheim Ducks rank 29th in the league for goals against per game this season (3.51).
- The Anaheim Ducks rank 25th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (76.86%).
Predators vs Ducks Prediction
Anaheim comes into this matchup desperately looking for a win to clinch the third spot in the Pacific, but they have lost eight of their last nine games. The Ducks are 18-20-2 on the road this year, while the Predators are 21-16-3 at home. Nashville has alternated wins and losses over their last six games, but they have been pretty good over the last two months. I want to say Anaheim is going to finally wake up, but they just haven’t been able to figure it out. Take the Predators here.