The Nashville Predators will head down to Arizona to take on the Coyotes in this Central Division matchup. The puck drop for this game is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. eastern from the Gila River Arena.
Both teams come into this game after winning their last game. The Predators were able to take down the Kings by a score of 4-2. The Coyotes used a big third period to defeat the Blackhawks by a score of 6-4.
This will be the second meeting between these two teams. In the first meeting, the Predators were able to win the game by a score of 4-1. Roman Josi scored two goals, and the Predators were winning 4-0 before the Coyotes scored their lone goal late in the third period.
Staying on Pace in Nashville
The Predators have now won three games in a row. With those three wins, the Predators have now taken a one-point lead over the St. Louis Blues in the division.
The Predators have to find a way to keep this pace if they are going to compete for that top spot at the end of the season. The Central features the Avalanche and the Wild, which either of those teams could go on a run and catch them as well.
The Predators do not have a stand-alone offensive weapon like some teams. What the Predators do have is a solid group of players who are really good at hockey and play really well together.
The Predators have five players who are in double-digits in goal scoring. They also have eight players who have contributed double-digit assists.
Not only do the Predators have one of the best offenses in the league, but they also have, arguably, the best goaltender in all of hockey in Juuse Saros.
With an 18-9-1 record, Saros is giving up just 2.22 goals per game. In his last ten starts, Saros has come away victorious eight times. He is currently on pace for the best season of his career.
Repeat the Performance
The Coyotes have not been great most of the season, and the players had to hope the COVID break could be used as some sort of a refresher to maybe get them moving in the right direction. Unfortunately, they lost their first two games after the break. The Coyotes did find a way to win their last game and are hoping they can repeat that performance in tonight’s game.
The Coyotes are led by the trio of Clayton Keller, Phil Kessel, and Shayne Gostisbehere. Keller is leading the team with 25 points, scoring 11 goals, and assisting on 14 others.
Kessel is second on the team with 23 points, scoring eight goals and assisting on 15 others. Gostisbehere is in third on the team with 23 points, scoring six goals and assisting on 17 others.
Karel Vejmelka and Scott Wedgewood have been responsible for the goaltender duties, with Carter Hutton still recovering from an injury. Vejmelka has racked up a 3-12 record and is giving up 3.25 goals per game.
Wedgewood has a 4-9 record and is giving up 6.55 goals per game. There are obviously serious concerns in the goaltender room until Hutton can get back.
The Pick
The Coyotes have been brutal at home with a 3-11-0-1 record. The team has also only won back-to-back games once this season.
The Predators are 7-1 in their last eight road games. With a 12-6-1-1 record, the Predators are the superior team.
When making your NHL picks, take the Nashville Predators moneyline.
