Oilers vs. Predators Pick
Are the host Nashville Predators going to hold the upset-minded Edmonton Oilers at bay tonight? The puck drops at 8PM ET.
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the Predators are listed as a -160 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Oilers are a +140 underdog, while the over-under is set at 5.5 goals.
Edmonton enters with an 18-22-2-1 record after a 4-1 loss Sunday at the Blackhawks. Nashville is 24-11-2-4 following a 4-3 victory Saturday at the Kings. The Predators won the first meeting this season via a 4-0 shutout in Edmonton on Dec. 14. Nashville is 4-0 in four meetings since the start of last season and has won the last 10 head-to-head matchups dating back to 2014.
The Oilers were led by Darnell Nurse as he scored his third goal of the season in the loss at Chicago. Michael Cammalleri and Zack Kassian assisted on the tally. Cam Talbot made 25 saves on 29 shots. Nurse’s goal pulled Edmonton within 2-1 with 15:48 left in the second period, but the Blackhawks added a goal later in that period and another in the third period to close it out.
In the win at Los Angeles, Austin Watson highlighted the Predators offense with a pair of goals. Scott Hartnell and Roman Josi added one goal apiece. PK Subban dished out two assists. Pekka Rinne made 26 saves on 29 attempts to register the victory. Nashville led 3-1 through two periods and twice held off the hosts after they cut it to a one-goal game, including over the last 11:36 of regulation.
Edmonton is 5-16 in its last 21 meetings in Nashville. The under is 6-1-3 in the last 10 meetings overall and 4-1-2 in the last seven meetings in Nashville.
There really isn’t much to say here. Nothing is ever for certain in pro sports, but Nashville has had Edmonton’s number for several years. The Predators are playing the better hockey, at home and Rinne will be in goal. On national TV, I have to go with the favorites.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: NASHVILLE PREDATORS -160