Predators vs. Penguins Odds
Predators Odds | -105 |
Penguins Odds | -115 |
Over / Under | 6 -115o / -105u |
Here's everything you need to know about the Nashville Predators vs. Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday, April 15 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.
The spotlight is set on the Nashville Predators as they travel to Pittsburgh for a high-stakes NHL showdown against the Penguins this Monday night.
This is the last game of the season for Nashville, and with a win, the Predators will secure their top wild-card position for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. For the Penguins, they need to win tonight’s game plus some key losses from other teams to sneak into the second and final Wild Card position.
With both teams showing distinctive strengths and weaknesses throughout the season, deciphering these could be the key to tonight’s Predators vs. Penguins pick.
The Predators enter this matchup with a formidable offensive record. They rank ninth in Corsi percentage, which measures shot attempt differential and is often used as an indicator of puck possession. More impressively, Nashville is sixth in expected goals percentage (xG%) and expected goals for (xGF), showcasing their efficiency in creating scoring opportunities. This offensive prowess is supported by their sixth rank in generating high-danger chances.
Their special teams add another layer of strength, with the power play ranking tenth in the league for goals scored.
However, the defensive side reveals some cracks. Nashville is 11th in expected goals against and a concerning 15th in defending against high-danger chances. Moreover, their penalty killing has been subpar, allowing the eighth most goals allowed while shorthanded.
The Predators’ goaltending has also been shaky, with tonight’s starter Juuse Saros struggling, ranking 32nd in save percentage and 29th in goals against average. These statistics could be pivotal in a game against a team with strong offensive capabilities like Pittsburgh.
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The Penguins have shown a balanced attack with a slightly better offensive output than defensive. They stand 13th in Corsi percentage and 11th in xG%, indicating solid puck control and the ability to create meaningful plays. Their ranking of fifth in expected goals for and third in high-danger chances underlines a team that capitalizes on scoring opportunities effectively.
Despite these strengths, the Penguins’ power play has been pitiful, with the third-fewest goals in the league on the man advantage, which might limit their ability to exploit the Predators’ penalty kill issues.
Defensively, Pittsburgh has gaps, ranking 25th in expected goals against and 19th in high-danger chances against. These stats suggest vulnerabilities that Nashville’s explosive offense could exploit.
Tonight’s Penguins starting goalie Alex Nedeljkovic has similarly underwhelmed with rankings near the bottom among netminders in save percentage and goals against average. His performance will be crucial against a high-scoring Nashville team.
Predators vs. Penguins
Betting Pick & Prediction
Considering the advanced metrics and the current form of both teams, the Predators moneyline at -102 offers compelling value at FanDuel.
Despite the game being in Pittsburgh, Nashville’s robust offensive metrics and their ability to create high-danger chances could overwhelm the Penguins' shaky defense and goaltending. The Predators have shown they can score, and Pittsburgh’s defensive lapses may just provide them with the openings they need.
Betting on the Predators’ moneyline not only leverages Nashville’s offensive strengths against Pittsburgh’s defensive weaknesses but also considers the potential impact of special teams and goaltending disparities.
With much on the line for both teams, we can guarantee this will be an ultra-competitive game, and with that in mind, Nashville should have the edge, even on the road.