In this article we will formulate a Predators vs Wild prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, October 1st 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 went 38-34-10 last season and they finished with 86 points, which was tied for fifth in the Central Division. Nashville finished six points out of the last playoff spot and 35 points behind Colorado in first. The Predators started the season with a 2-1 win over the Blue Jackets, but they were just 2-5 through seven games. Nashville played better in January, February, and March, but fell short in the playoff race. The Predators scored 242 goals last year, which was 20th in the NHL, while they allowed 267 goals against, which was 26th.
In the preseason, Nashville went 1-3-0, which was tied for last in the Central Division. The Predators picked up their lone win against the Lightning, but lost to the Hurricanes twice and the Lightning once. Nashville is led by Filip Forsberg, who had 40 goals and 35 assists, while Ryan O’Reilly added 25 goals and 49 assists. Juuse Saros is the projected starting goalie and he was 28-22-8 with a 3.16 goals against average and an .894 save percentage last season.
Minnesota Wild Betting Preview
The Minnesota Wild were 46-24-12 last year and they finished third in the Central Division with 104 points. Minnesota was 12 points ahead of Utah for third, but they were 17 points behind Colorado in first. The Wild started the year with a 5-0 win over the Blues, but they were just 3-9 through 12 games. Minnesota struggled to start the season, but played great starting in mid-November. The Wild got past the Stars in the playoffs, but lost to the Avalanche to end the year. Minnesota scored 268 goals last season, which was 10th in the NHL, while they allowed 235 goals against, which was 4th.
In the preseason, Minnesota went 1-2-1, which was tied for fifth in the Central Division. The Wild defeated the Blackhawks, but lost to the Stars twice and the Blackhawks once. Kirill Kaprizov leads the Wild after scoring 45 goals and 44 assists last year, while Matt Boldy added 42 goals and 43 assists. Jesper Wallstedt is the projected starting goalie after going 18-9-6 last year with a 2.61 goals against average and a .916 save percentage.
Why the Nashville Predators will win
- The Predators have won six of their last nine games as underdogs against Western Conference opponents.
- The Wild have lost 13 of their last 16 games at Bridgestone Arena.
- The Predators have covered the puck line in 11 of their last 12 games as underdogs against the Wild.
- The Wild have failed to cover the puck line in 15 of their last 17 games as favorites against Central Division opponents.
- The Wild have lost the third period in each of their last six games as road favorites when leading after the second period.
Why the Minnesota Wild will win
- The Predators have lost each of their last four night games at Bridgestone Arena.
- The Wild have won five of their last six season openers.
- The Wild have covered the puck line in three of their last four road openers.
- The Predators have failed to cover the puck line in three of their last four night games at Bridgestone Arena.
- The Predators have lost the third period in each of their last six games as home underdogs against Western Conference opponents when trailing after the second period.
Total Goals Facts
- Seven of the Wild’s last eight night games have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Seven of the last eight night games between the Wild and Predators at Bridgestone Arena have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Six of the last seven games between two teams from the Central Division have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in each of the Wild’s last eight night games at Bridgestone Arena.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in eight of the Predators’ last nine home games against the Wild.
Nashville Predators Player Prop Facts
- Steven Stamkos has scored at least one goal in each of the Predators’ last six games as home underdogs against Western Conference opponents.
- Ryan O’Reilly has recorded at least one assist in seven of the Predators’ last eight games as underdogs against Western Conference opponents.
Minnesota Wild Player Prop Facts
- Quinn Hughes has recorded at least one assist in nine of his last 10 appearances in night games.
Predators vs Wild Prediction
Minnesota comes into this season looking to build on last season’s success and they should be lined up for another big year. Nashville has an aging roster that I don’t love and I think goaltending could be an issue for them. The Wild are the better overall team and I think their speed is going to cause issues for the Nashville defense. Take Minnesota to start the season with a road win in this one.