Two of the most frequently-penalized clubs in the league, the Anaheim Ducks and the Nashville Predators take the ice at Bridgestone Arena in a Western Conference showdown. The puck drops at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, and fans at home can watch it live on Fox Sports Tennesse.
Anaheim Ducks vs. Nashville Predators Odds
Earning moneyline bettors 4.0 units, Nashville is 15-10 straight up (SU) overall this year. That win percentage, the third-best in the Central Division so far this season, is an improvement compared to how the team performed during the 2016-17 season (41-41). Through 25 regular season outings, 13 of the team’s games have gone over the total, while 12 have gone under and none have pushed. This year, the team’s 9-3 SU at home.
The Predators have been able to convert on 25.5 percent of their power play chances this year, a figure that places them in the top-5 among NHL teams. On the other hand, their penalty kill is rated fifth overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 83.9 percent of all penalties.
The Predators, as a collective unit, have been penalized 5.6 times per game overall this season, and 4.4 per game over their past ten contests. The team’s had to defend opponent power plays for just 8.0 minutes per game over their last five outings, overall.
Averaging 29.7 saves per game with a .925 save percentage, Pekka Rinne (14 wins, six losses, and two OT losses) has been the primary goalkeeper for Nashville this year. If head coach Peter Laviolette chooses to rest him, however, Nashville may roll with Juuse Saros (1-4-4 record, .870 save percentage, 3.71 goals against average).
The Preds will continue seeking leadership from Filip Forsberg and P.K. Subban. Forsberg (26 points) is up to 13 goals and 13 assists and has recorded two or more points on seven different occasions this year. Subban has four goals and 14 assists to his name and has recorded at least one point in 13 contests.
Over on the other bench, Anaheim is 11-15 straight up (SU) and has lost 1.9 units for bettors taking the moneyline this year. Through 26 regular season matches, 15 of its games have gone under the total, while nine have gone over and just one has pushed. As the away team, the Ducks are 5-6 SU so far.
The Ducks have converted on 17.5 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked ninth overall and it’s successfully killed off 82.6 percent of all opponent power plays.
Anaheim’s skaters have been penalized 5.1 times per game this season, and 5.8 per game over their last five match ups. The team’s had to kill penalties 13.0 minutes per contest over their last five road games.
John Gibson (2.98 goals against average and .920 save percentage) has been the primary option in goal for Anaheim. Gibson is averaging 31.3 saves per game and has eight wins, 13 losses, and two OT losses to his credit.
Rickard Rakell (eight goals, 10 assists) and Corey Perry (four goals, 13 assists) are the top offensive options for Anaheim and will pace the attack for the visiting Ducks.
Anaheim Ducks at Nashville Predators Free Picks
Predictions: SU Winner – Predators, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes
Two of Anaheim’s last ten games have gone to a shootout. The team is 1-1 in those games and 2-2 overall in shootouts this season.
The total has gone under in three of Nashville’s last five outings.
Five of Anaheim’s last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 1-4 in those games.
Anaheim skaters have accounted for the fourth-most hits in the league (25.0 per game).
