For the third time this season, the Nashville Predators and the reigning Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks will be going at one another. Both clubs have split the first two meetings with the Predators winning the latest one. Can they make it two-straight triumphs over Chicago? Or will the Blackhawks impose their will on them this time around?
[sc:NHL250 ]Read on below for a comprehensive breakdown of this Central Division matchup. And if you’re craving for some college hoops as well, check out our preview of the Maryland Terrapins vs. Michigan Wolverines.
[sc:NHLArticles ]Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks Preview
Where: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
When: Tuesday, January 12, 8:30 PM ET
Line: Nashville Predators at Chicago Blackhawks– view all NHL lines
TV Broadcast: CSCH, FSTN
Betting on the Nashville Predators (19-16-7)
[sc:NHL240 ]Another game, another loss for the Nashville Predators. The Predators suffered their third-straight setback at the hands of the Arizona Coyotes, 4-0, on Saturday. That also marked their 16th loss and the fifth time they’ve been shut out this season.
Scoring has been a constant struggle for the Predators lately. They’re averaging just 1.4 goals per game in the last five contests. Points leader Roman Josi is a testament to the team’s offensive woes as he’s been unable to get a goal since December 21 versus Montreal. He’ll need to come off his current slump real soon if the Predators hope to start turning things around.
Speaking of turning things around, the Predators will be looking to do so when they travel to United Center for a matchup with the Chicago Blackhawks, who sit at the second spot of the Central Division. Nashville is 2-8 SU and 4-4-2 OU in its last 10 road games.
In order for the Predators to finally get back on track, they’ll need Josi and Filip Forsberg to consistently find the net. The two lead the team in scoring with 31 points (nine goals and 22 assists) and 27 points (11 goals and 16 assists) respectively this season.
Shea Weber, in particular, could be a key bright spot in this game. He’s tallied 11 goals and 15 assists through 42 games and owns a pretty solid track record opposite the Blackhawks with 28 points (14 goals and 14 assists).
Meanwhile, manning the net will be Pekka Rinne, who carries a 16-13-6 record with a 2.48 GAA, a .906 SV%. In his last start (December 10) versus Chicago, he negated 35 of 36 shot attempts to help the Predators capture the 5-1 win.
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Betting on the Chicago Blackhawks (27-13-4)
Ever since losing back-to-back games to Dallas and Carolina, the Chicago Blackhawks have gone perfect over their next seven games. In that run, they have been piling up the points on a nightly basis by averaging 4.14 goals per game. This offensive success has got none other than Patrick Kane’s name written all over it.
Kane, who leads the league in points (62) and assists (37), has scored 12 points in the past seven games, including two goals on Sunday against the Avalanche that gave him 25 this season. He’ll definitely be looking to sustain his momentum when the Nashville Predators come to town. Chicago is 8-2 SU and 2-8 OU in its last 10 home games.
Other than Kane, the Predators’ defense (2.71 goals against per game) is bound to have some trouble on locking up the likes of Artemi Panarin. Panarin, the rookie left-winger, has been Chicago’s second-best threat as he’s contributed a total of 39 points (15 goals and 24 assists) already this season. But across two games opposite Nashville, he’s been limited to just an assist thus far.
Over on defense, the Blackhawks will be leaning on Corey Crawford to protect their goal. Crawford has been at his best through 21 home games this season, going 15-5-1 along with a staggering 1.62 GAA and .945% SV% while also garnering six shutouts.
Writer’s Prediction
Chicago wins, 4-1. Create a betting account now and cash in on all the exciting NHL regular season action.
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