Going into this potentially epic showdown, the Nashville Predators have already ensured a play-off spot through the Central Division, while the Penguins will be desperate for the victory as the Metroplitan Division in the Eastern Conference is heating up.
The Pittsburgh team are 80-37-31 and will need a win to try outgunning the likes of the Philadelphia, Detroit and Washington for the final wildcard slot. They start the game as slight favorites at -130.
The Predators, at 81-47-29 have already clinched a spot in the playoffs but it is all to play for, as the Penguins need to win, and that pressure could play out in all its dramatic glory.
The backdrop to the result will surely affect the outcome. The Penguins must win this match and their next against the Islanders to stand a chance at Stanley Cup fame this season.
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Breakdown: A Tale of Two Teams
Team Penguins Predators Record 80-37-31 81-47-29 O/U Record 35-41-4 34-34-6 Spread Record 40-35 41-40 Injuries John Ludvig, Ryan Graves, Noel Accaria, Matt Nieto None Key players to watch Evgeni Malkin Filip Forsberg - Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Venue: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Live Stream: SportsNet Pittsburgh, FUBO
The head-to-head record between the two teams over the past six years in overwhelmingly in the Penguins favor, with a 5-2 record. Pittsburgh has won their last three home games against Nashville and this historical form sees them start as favorites.
The Penguins has picked up some big scalps of late defeating the Rangers 5-2 in New York and winning 4-1 away to the Washington Capitals.
In 32 games the Penguins have won 17 with odds shorter than -130, and they have a 56.5% chance of winning this encounter.
Nashville is 13-12 when it has been underdogs of +109 or longer., and their games have gone over six in 49-81 of their contests this campaign. Nashville have been the underdog 37 times this season and win 48.6% of these games.
Our Picks:
Penguins vs Predators – Pittsburgh start as favorites against the Predators but pressure can cause havoc on the ice.
The Penguins have struggled in the goal scoring department and are ranked 20th nationwide (3.1 per game) but have a more solid defense ranking 12 (3.0 goals per game). Pittsburgh do have the league’s best face off win percentage at 54.5%. They have shut out an opponent 14 times this campaign, and average 17.7 hits and 15.3 blocked shots per game.
Looking at the Predators it can be seen why they have qualified for the play-offs, as they rank 10th in scoring (3.3) and 14th in defense (3.0 per game).
They have only four shut-out wins but they are busy averaging 22.9 hits and 15.4 blocked shots.
The clash will be intense as Pittsburgh have a good home record of 22-14-4 while Nashville travel well and have a winning record of 24-13-3 away from home.
Penguins ATS: The Predators won the only previous encounter this season, triumphing 3-2 in overtime and we are expecting another nail-biter. Pittsburgh has a winning momentum in the past 10 games. going 7-1-2.
Predators ATS: The Predators have been inconsistent, going at 5-4-1. The Predators are injury-free while Pittsburgh may miss John Ludvig, Ryan Grave, Noel Accaria and Matt Nieto.
Pick 1: Penguins Prop – Over/Under 6 – we are tipping the game to go Under, but just.
Three of Pittsburgh’s last four games have been decided by one goal, and the other by 2, so expect a thriller. Two of the Predators last four games has also been by a one goal margin, and another by a 2-goal margin. This is why we are calling a an under, one goal win either way for the spread.
Pick 2: Predators Prop – Ryan O’Reilly Anytime Goal +240
Ryan O’Reilly has scored in 23 of 81 games, with 23 in total on 178 shots, for an average of 14.6% this season. On the power-play he has banged in 52 shots, with 14 power-play goals.
