Nashville Predators vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Predictions, Picks and NHL Preview – February 12, 2016

Both the Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning have disappointed of late. The Preds have gone 1-3 in their last four games, including a shutout loss at home. Meanwhile, the Bolts are entering this game on the heels of back-to-back losses. With the playoffs just around the corner, the magnitude of each game grows ever more so.

Get more of the day’s best hockey action with our complete previews for the Kings vs. Rangers and Avalanche vs. Red Wings.

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Nashville Predators vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Preview

Where: Amalie Arena, Tampa

When: Friday, February 12, 7:30 PM ET

Line: Nashville Predators at Tampa Bay Lightning – view all NHL lines

Betting on the Nashville Predators (25-21-8)

The Nashville Predators lost three of four home games since their return from the All-Star Break. But a return to the road should help their chances of climbing the Central Division ladder. The Preds won four straight games away from home leading up to All-Star Weekend.

The Preds will be very confident that they can solve Tampa Bay goaltender Ben Bishop. They scored four past him in regulation in the first game between the two teams on October 20. They also won the game 5-4 in a shootout. James Neal could not be denied in that game, scoring two goals while setting up another. Mike Fisher and Shea Weber also scored, while Filip Forsberg scored the lone shootout goal.

Forsberg has been hot recently, scoring three goals and assisting in two others in his last two outings. He’ll likely be one of points (38) and assists leader (27) Roman Josi’s primary outlets in this game. Weber should also be solid with four points in his last three games. Expect the Preds to test Tampa Bay’s defense, which has allowed a total of nine goals in back-to-back losses.

The Preds have won four of their last five games against Tampa Bay, including three straight heading into Friday’s showdown.

Betting on the Tampa Bay Lightning (29-20-4)

The Tampa Bay Lightning enter this contest on the heels of back-to-back defeats on the road. They were outscored 9-3 by Ottawa and Montreal. They’ll be hoping that a return home against the Nashville Predators could get them back in the winning column.

Despite all their talent in the frontline, the Bolts have been disappointing on offense this season. They’re middling in the league with 2.6 goals per game (14^th). But they’ve stepped it up at home, scoring an average of 3.6 goals in their last eight home games.

Nikita Kucherov leads the team with 21 goals and 45 points this season. He’s been stellar at Tampa, scoring 28 points in 27 home games thus far. He had a goal on two shots in the first game against Nashville. Steven Stamkos is tied with Kucherov in the goals department and has 27 points in 27 home games. He also scored in the first game against the Preds.

Kucherov and Stamkos should lead the Bolts’ offense in this game, but defenseman Victor Hedman may be the one to set them up for precious goals. Hedman leads the team with 27 helpers this season. He’s entering this game hot with four points in his last four games.

The Bolts have won their last eight games at home.

Writer’s Prediction

The Bolts end their losing streak with a big victory at home. Take the over for a bonus.

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