The Nashville Predators (18-10-1) and the Chicago Blackhawks (11-15-2) battle on Friday night at the United Center in Chicago, IL. The game is scheduled to begin at 8:30 P.M. EST.
The Blackhawks won their last game against Washington 5-4. However, they sit in seventh place in the Central entering Friday’s action.
The Predators took care of business against the talented Colorado Avalanche on Thursday. They remain in second place behind Minnesota in the Central.
Let’s take a look at this Central Division matchup.
Predators at Blackhawks Betting Preview
Chicago Blackhawks Preview: Repeat Wednesday’s Performance
Chicago got the narrow victory against the Capitals on Wednesday. Alex DeBrincat paved the way for the Blackhawks with two goals. Patrick Kane, Brandon Hagel, and Kirby Dach all had two assists in the game.
The exciting win was a nice moment in an otherwise forgettable campaign for the Blackhawks up to this point.
Chicago ranks near the back of the league with just 64 total goals scored on the season.
DeBrincat is the team leader in goals scored with 16. He has also produced 22 points.
Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, who allowed 4 goals on Wednesday, is now 9-10 with a 2.85 GAA and a .913 save percentage this year. The veteran has unquestionably regressed from last season when he was 26-10 with a 1.98 GAA and a .928 save percentage.
But the Blackhawks should have a chance to upset Nashville if they have another offensive explosion on Friday. But that will prove challenging given the ability of the Predators’ defense.
Nashville Predators Preview: Utilizing Balance
The Predators posted a quality victory against Colorado on Thursday.
Goalie Juuse Saros saved 24 of 26 shots while Filip Forsberg scored two goals. Colton Sissons added an impressive 3 assists in the win.
Forsberg and Matt Duchene lead Nashville with 13 goals each. But the effort of Saros has been the real story for this team.
The goalkeeper is 14-8 with a 2.23 GAA and a .925 save percentage. He has been the backbone of the Predators this year and they would not be where they are without him.
The Predators rank 13th in goals scored, 12th in goals against, and 14th in team assists. They have done a very nice job of utilizing a balanced roster en route to a successful season up to this point.
Who to Bet on Predators at Blackhawks
Chicago enters the game as the favorite playing at home. However, I like the Predators in this game.
I don’t envision Chicago scoring five goals again, and Nashville should have no problem finding the back of the net.
But this game should be exciting. Chicago will enter with momentum following their recent win, and playing at home always helps the cause. But I think the balance of this Predator’s lineup will be too much for the Blackhawks to handle on Friday night.
Take the Nashville Predators -1.5.
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