The Detroit Red Wings (34-20-6) and Nashville Predators (27-24-8) meet in the NHL tonight. Puck drop is set for 2:00 p.m. EST at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. The game will be broadcast live on NHL Network.
The Predators are favored by -1.5 on the puck line, with the over/under set at 6.5 (-112o / -107u). The Red Wings are a -113 favorite to win outright, while the Red Wings are -107 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Red Wings vs. Predators predictions and NHL picks.
Red Wings vs. Predators Odds, Pick
| Red Wings Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -275 | 6.5 -112o / -107u | -113 |
| Predators Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +222 | 6.5 -112o / -107u | -107 |
- Red Wings vs. Predators Spread: Predators -1.5 (+222 ), Red Wings +1.5 (-275)
- Red Wings vs. Predators Over/Under: 6.5 (-112o / -107u)
- Red Wings vs. Predators Moneyline: Red Wings -113, Predators -107
Red Wings vs. Predators Preview
Detroit Red Wings
I’m always up for eating crow when I get things wrong, and boy did I get Detroit’s game wrong when it played the Hurricanes on Saturday.
But in my defense, I did not think that Cam Talbot was going to start against the top offense in the Eastern Conference.
Completely irresponsible decision by coach Todd McLellan. But hopefully for the Red Wings, they can pivot to John Gibson, who looked remarkable in Thursday’s overtime win against the Senators.
Not only that, he’s playing like one of the best goaltenders in the league with a season-long .905 SV% and a 10.3 GSAx.
I’ve really liked what the Red Wings have done 5-on-5 though. They have one of the more exciting cores that feature Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Mo Seider, but also up and comers in Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Simon Edvinsson.
But the problem is, since returning from the Olympics, their 5-on-5 has struggled, and have needed to rely on their top-10 power play, where they score at a 23.6% clip.
Nashville Predators
I don’t think anyone expected the Predators to be in the midst of a playoff run now.
They’ve quickly become one of the NHL’s most fascinating, yet confusing teams.
Ryan O’Reilly seemingly hasn’t lost a step, and Filip Forsberg is as consistent as ever. They’re also getting another 30-goal season out of Steven Stamkos, who is flying under the radar as one of the league’s most prolific goal scorers.
Since returning from the Olympic break the Preds have enjoyed a win against the Blackhawks, and fell at the hands of the Stars in overtime.
However, it’s completely fair to say that Nashville got lucky to walk away with points in both bouts.
It went down three goals against Chicago, before scoring three in the third, and was severely outplayed by Dallas from the second period on.
I expect to see goaltender Juuse Saros in net for this battle, but Nashville may be better off playing with Justus Annunen. Lately when Saros has been in net, he’s been beaten fairly easily.
For the season, he’s playing to an .890 SV% and holds a -9.6 GSAx in his previous 10 games dating back prior to the break.
Red Wings vs. Predators Prediction
It’s truly mind-boggling that this game takes place at 2 p.m. on a Monday, but no one ever said the NHL was normal.
I don’t anticipate a packed crowd, and aside from the Carolina game, the Red Wings have been really solid on the road this season.
With Gibson taking his crease back and Saros being a total sieve, I think it’s only right to continue my moneyline mayhem and back the Red Wings in this bout.
Nashville has been a solid story, but it’s a weirdly constructed roster that can err on the side of unpredictable at times.
I’m a lot more comfortable backing the Wings here.
Pick: Red Wings Moneyline
