Free NHL Hockey Prediction: Penguins vs Predators NHL Odds
Looking for Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Nashville Predators free hockey plays & NHL Odds? NHL betting sees the Penguins taking on the Predators on Friday December 27th at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NHL Hockey games all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NHL hockey predictions like this Penguins Predators matchup.
NHL Handicapping Analysis
(21-11-4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Nashville Predators (18-12-6)
Date: Friday, December 27th
Time: 8:00 PM
Venue: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN
NHL Hockey Moneyline Odds: Predators -128
NHL Hockey Puck Line Odds: OFF
NHL Betting Total: 6
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The Sydney Crosby-less Penguins make the trip down to Nashville for the first game of this two-game series against the fifth-place Nashville Predators. Pittsburgh has won seven of their last 10 while Nashville has won four of their last five.
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The last time these two teams met, last March, Nashville stole a road win behind a Herculean effort from goaltender Pekka Rinne, who saved 42 of Pittsburgh’s 43 shots.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins’ 46 points has them fourth in the Metro division but keeps them well in play for a playoff spot.
I didn’t look this up, but they have to be one of the only teams in the league to currently have both a top-10 offense and a top-10 defense. They are averaging 3.3 goals on 33.4 shots per game, and are only giving up 2.7 goals on 29 shots per game.
This is all the more impressive when you consider Crosby hasn’t played a game since early November. However, Jake Guentzel has picked up the slack in the superstar’s absence, as he leads his team with 18 goals and 19 assists while playing a lot of minutes.
Nashville Predators
For some unknown reason, Pekka Rinne has been getting absolutely obliterated by opposing offenses this year. The Nashville defense allows the fourth-least shots/game in the leauge (29), but Rinne is allowing a whopping 3.2 goals against per game, which is good for 22nd in the league!
Nashville fans should be incredibly thankful this holiday season for their offensive attack. They’re averaging 3.5 goals on 34 shots per game, both of those stats being top-five league-wide this season.
The Predators are fully healthy and have won six of their last 10 games. They are 10-6-4 at home this season, but Rinne’s poor goaltending has them well out of the playoff race at this current juncture.
NHL Betting Trends:
- Pittsburgh are 14-6 in their last 20 games against Nashville.
- Pittsburgh are 7-2 in their last 9 games.
- Pittsburgh are 5-1 in their last 6 games against an opponent in the West conference.
Free Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Nashville Predators NHL Prediction:
It is in my professional, and not humble, opinion that the Penguins are undervalued given Crosby’s absence. Their defense has been overwhelming this season, as they’re one of only two teams in the league to have allowed less than 100 goals up to this point.
Yes, Nashville’s offense is worthy of recognition, and they’ve scored a lot of goals this season. However, defense wins championships and there’s a reason why the Penguins are ahead in the standings.
Additionally, Nashville has one of the worst power play units in the league and one of the worst penalty kill units in the league. Their weaknesses jump right off of the page at you, and it’s hard for me to ignore them.
Which is why I would hammer the Penguins ML at any number better than -130. I’m looking for Pittsburgh to play a gritty, defensive-minded game, stifle the potent Nashville offense, and sneak a few past the struggling Pekka Rinne.
4* Free NHL Betting Pick: Penguins ML.
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