Predators vs. Flames Pick
Are the Nashville Predators and host Calgary Flames going to play a game dominated by defense tonight at 10PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the Flames are a -120 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Predators are +100, while the total is set at 6 goals.
Nashville comes in with a 20-7-1-3 record after a 4-0 shutout win Thursday night at the Oilers. Calgary is 16-13-1-2 following a 3-2 home loss Thursday to San Jose. The Flames won the first meeting this season by a 3-2 score in a shootout at Nashville. The four meetings since the start of last season have been split 2-2, while the over-under has also gone 2-2.
The Predators were led by Juuse Saros as he saved all 46 shots in the shutout effort. Kyle Turris recorded a goal and an assist to lead the offense. Kevin Fiala, Roman Josi and Pontus Aberg all scored a goal apiece. Mattias Ekholm dished out two assists. Nashville scored all four of its goals in the second period with Aberg opening the scoring at the 17:04 mark.
Michael Frolik and Johnny Gaudreau scored one goal each for Calgary in the loss to the Sharks. Mike Smith made 26 saves on 29 shots to take the loss. Gaudreau tied the score at 2-2 with 12:21 left in the third period, but San Jose eventually put in the game-winner with 2:48 remaining.
The road team is 6-2 in the last eight meetings. The under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings.
Nashville is very deep on the defensive end and equipped with two very talented goalies. It’s odd to see the Predators with an over-under of six, which speaks to the Flames’ struggles on defense. But with a veteran in goalie in Smith and some capable defenders, Calgary can put in a gem of a defensive performance on any given night. Unders have good recent history in this series and Nashville is on top of its game right now as the shutout at Edmonton shows. I am taking the under tonight.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: PREDATORS/FLAMES UNDER 6