Predators vs. Rangers Prediction
The Nashville Predators turned in a fantastic year in 2017-18 and are considered one of the favorites to hoist the Stanley Cup as they open the new campaign tonight at the New York Rangers. Can Nashville win its first game of the season as road favorites?
Game Snapshot
61 Nashville Predators at 62 New York Rangers
Thursday, October 4, 2018
Madison Square Garden at 7:35PM ET
TV: NBCSN
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Predators are a -160 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Rangers are a +140 underdog, while the total sits at 6 goals. As of Thursday morning, 77 percent of public bets are pouring in on visiting Nashville. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for up-to-date info.
Forsberg set for big season
Filip Forsberg turned in about a point-per-game production when healthy last season as he registered 26 goals and 38 assists in 67 games to lead the Predators. Forsberg had a plus-27 mark when on the ice, best on the team. Viktor Arvidsson was second on the team with 61 points (29 goals, 32 assists, while defenseman P.K. Subban had 59 points (16 goals, 43 assissts).Pekka Rinne will be between the pipes tonight after posting a 2.31 goals-against average last season with a .927 save percentage.
Rangers in middle of rebuild
New York traded many of its top players last season for prospects and younger NHL players plus draft picks. The one constant for the Rangers is long-time starting goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, who had a 2.98 GAA and a .915 save percentage last season as he dealt with not having a lot of help in front of him. Mats Zuccarello paced the New York offense with 16 goals and 37 assists. Center Mika Zibanejad recorded 27 goals and 20 assists. Kevin Hayes (44 points), Pavel Buchnevich (43 points) and Chris Kreider (37 points) are other top returning point scorers.
NHL Betting Trends
Nashville
The Predators are 0-6 in their last six games following a win. The over is 5-1 in the last six Nashville games on Thursdays.
New York
The over is 4-0-2 in the last six Rangers home games. The home team is 7-1 in the last eight meetings.
Prediction:
As good as Nashville is, that’s a lot to be paying up for on the road. Lundqvist is still capable of turning in a gem performance and he’ll be focused on doing just that for opening night. I’m going to take a shot at New York securing the upset win tonight.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: NEW YORK RANGERS +140