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The Nashville Predators will play host to the always deadly Florida Panthers tonight. The Predators are still looking to lock in that playoff spot in the West as they are currently in the first wild card position, just two points ahead of the Stars. On the other hand, the Florida Panthers have already clinched a playoff spot since they lead their division by eight points. Can the Predators defend home ice tonight? It’s time to find out as we continue our NHL odds series with a Panthers-Predators prediction and pick.
Here are the Panthers-Predators NHL Odds, Courtesy of FanDuel
NHL Odds: Panthers-Predators Odds
Florida Panthers: -1.5 (+172) (-134 ML)
Nashville Predators: +1.5 (-210) (+112 ML)
Over: 7 (-102)
Under: 7 (-120)
Why The Panthers Can Cover The Spread/Win
The Florida Panthers have been playing in insanely high-scoring games all season. In fact, in their last nine games, since Aaron Ekblad has been injured, they've scored a ridiculous average of 8.75 combined goals per game. Granted, the majority of those games were against weaker opponents, but the total number of goals is still very notable. The Panthers will look to keep their offense rolling and their defense to shut down scoring opportunities, both helping build the momentum into the playoffs.
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Backup goaltender Spencer Knights will get the start between the pipes tonight as the Panthers are on the second leg of back-to-back games. The 20-year-old netminder is repping a .904 save percentage while allowing 2.91 goals against per game. He'll look to help shut down the Predators and their efforts to spring ahead in the standings tonight.
Why The Predators Can Cover The Spread/Win
The Nashville Predators have won four games in their last five matchups, and continue to climb up the rankings in the West. They're currently in the first wild-card position but are just four points away from snagging a top-three seed in the Central Division. The Preds are scoring 3.30 goals per game through their 70 games played and should have no problem continuing that stat here tonight. Star goaltender Juuse Saros will patrol the home crease tonight for the Preds as he is sporting a .921 save percentage while allowing 2.55 goals against per game. He'll look to shut down a powerful Panthers offense tonight and hope to get another two points under their belt.
Final Panthers-Predators Prediction & Pick
This may seem like an easy pick and just take the Panthers since they're the better team, but it's deeper than that. The Panthers have already clinched a playoff spot. That doesn't necessarily mean they'll take their foot off the gas pedal, but they know that if they lost at some point, they're still in the playoffs no matter what. The Predators on the other hand desperately need the points in order to stay in the playoff picture in the West. With that said, I'm going to take the gamble and pick the home dog to come away with a victory tonight. I don't love this pick, but I like the value in plus money, so why not?
Final Panthers-Predators Prediction and Pick: Predators Moneyline (+112)
