If it weren’t for a flu bug decimating the Predators depth right now, this would be a dream matchup --the defending NHL champions against an up-and-coming team loaded with young talent. But as was evident by three players leaving mid-game in their loss to the Red Wings last night, the Nashville lineup is not healthy.
- The Penguins have won 4 of the last 5 games in this matchup.
- The Predators have scored an average of just 1.6 goals per game in their last 5 against Pittsburgh.
- Nashville has not covered in 5 straight games.
I’m not going to spend a ton of time breaking down trends in this one because I am firmly sitting in the Penguins’ camp here. Pittsburgh is one of the deepest teams in the league and has opened their season 3-1-1. They can basically roll four lines out tonight and outskate a Preds’ team that gave up 43 shots not 24 hours ago.
Those 43 shots were the most Nashville has given up this season and were the most the Red Wings have peppered an opposing goalie with so far. The Penguins are the No. 1 shot generating team in the league so it could be target practice for Pittsburgh this evening.
Neither team has confirmed a starter for tonight but this is a great opportunity for the Stanley Cup champs to give their workhorse Marc-Andre Fleury some rest. He has started every game for the Pens thus far so look for Mike Condon between the pipes in Nashville.
Nashville's Pekka Rinne (2.71 GAA, .922 SV%) will most likely get the start as he could be the Preds only chance to get two points in this one. He has played pretty well so far this year and looks like he could be back to his old self.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Nashville Predators Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
1-3-0 Nashville battles the Penguins, currently with a 3-1-1 mark. The OVER/UNDER records, important for totals bettors, are 2-1-1 for the Predators and 1-2-2 for the Penguins. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Nashville vs Pittsburgh injuries news.
The Penguins - Predators odds would favor the Penguins if the lines were set according to our power ranks. Nashville is rated No. 6 in the current Odds Shark poll, while Pittsburgh is at No. 1.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Nashville's No. 24-ranked offense, averaging 2.5 goals per game, against a Penguins defense that ranks No. 11 at 2.8 goals allowed. The Predators power play is averaging 53.33% while the Penguins defense kills off 80.95% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
In their last action, Pittsburgh was a 3-2 Sportsbook at home against the Sharks. Bettors on Pittsburgh at +112 on the moneyline collected their winnings from that game, while the total score (5) sent UNDER bettors home happy as well.
Last time out for Nashville, they were a 5-3 loser as they battled the Red Wings on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Red Wings at +114 were rewarded, while the 8 combined goals moved the game OVER for totals bettors.
- Pittsburgh is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Pittsburgh's last 12 games
- Pittsburgh is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
- Pittsburgh is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games on the road
- Nashville is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
- Nashville is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
- Nashville is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
- Nashville is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Pittsburgh home to Florida, Tuesday, October 25th
Nashville at Anaheim, Wednesday, October 26th
