The Chicago Blackhawks (23-50-5), eighth in the NHL standings for the Central Division, host the Nashville Predators (45-29-5), fourth in the Central Division and currently three points ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights for the first wildcard spot in the NHL playoffs. It’s one of five games on the NHL schedule Friday and the first meeting between the two NHL teams since Nashville beat Chicago 3-0 on January 2.
Predators vs Blackhawks Picks
- Pick 1: Predators -250
- Pick 2: Over 5.5 (-130)
Intrigued by tonight’s matchup? Check out the latest scores and odds for Predators vs Blackhawks to see who comes out on top.
Juuse Saros (2.82 GAA, .907 save percentage) is expected to start in goal for the Predators, while Petr Mrazek (3.07 GAA, .906 save percentage) is likely to start in goal for the Blackhawks game bets. Let’s check out the Predators vs Blackhawks best bets and our NHL picks.
Nashville Predators vs Chicago Blackhawks Odds
Let’s dive into the NHL odds and see what winning picks and parlays can emerge from this Predators vs Blackhawks matchup:
Nashville Predators vs Chicago Blackhawks Information
Nashville Predators vs Chicago Blackhawks
Location of the game: United Center in Chicago, Illinois
Date & Time: Friday, April 12 at 8:30 p.m. ET
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Nashville Predators vs Chicago Blackhawks Recent Scores
Nashville has cooled down since recording points in 18 consecutive games. Since the streak snapped with an 8-4 loss to Arizona in March, they’re 2-4-1 and have been shut out twice. They’re coming off a 4-3 overtime loss to the Jets, one of the NHL picks to win the Stanley Cup. Saros stopped 18 of 22 shots faced, while Ryan O’Reilly, Tommy Novak, and Spencer Stastney scored for the Predators.
Chicago has lost two consecutive games and are 4-6 in their last 10 NHL games. They’re coming off a 5-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday. Mrazek allowed three goals on three shots within five minutes to start the game and was pulled in favor of Arvid Soderblom.
Nashville Predators vs Chicago Blackhawks Analysis
The Predators have been among the most surprising NHL teams this season and come into the Predators vs Blackhawks best bets all but guaranteed a spot in the NHL playoffs. They’re 13th in goals per game (3.2), eighth in shots on goal (32.1), and have the 19th-best power play (20.2 percent). Chicago, meanwhile, is near the bottom in most offensive categories, including 32nd in goals (2.18), 30th in shots (26.6), and T28th in power play (16.4 percent).
Nashville Predators is slightly better defensively, ranking 14th in goals allowed (3.03) compared to the Blackhawks, which are 29th (3.49). The Predators, however, have allowed 28 goals in their last seven games. Chicago has allowed just 17 goals during that same stretch. The Predators are 23-13-3 on the road and 15-8-2 against Central Division opponents, while the Blackhawks are 16-19-4 on home ice and 6-16-3 against teams in the Central.
Filip Forsberg leads the Predators in NHL player stats with 89 points (43 goals, 46 assists) and Roman Josi is second with 80 points (21 goals, 59 assists). Connor Bedard is the Blackhawks’ leading scorer and the favorite in NHL picks to win the Calder Trophy with 59 points (22 goals, 37 assists).
Nashville has a healthy lineup, while Reese Johnson is on the NHL injury report for the Blackhawks.
Odds Breakdown for Nashville Predators vs Chicago Blackhawks
Nashville
The Predators are -250 moneyline favorites with -1.5 (+100) puck line odds. The total for the Predators vs Blackhawks best bets is 5.5.
Chicago
Chicago Blackhawks is a +210 moneyline underdog in the Blackhawks game bets against Nashville. They also have +1.5 (-120) puck line odds.
Nashville Predators vs Chicago Blackhawks Betting Pick and Prediction
Nashville is great on the road and needs a win to secure their spot in the postseason. They’ve been over the total in five of their last eight NHL games and the Blackhawks went over the total on Wednesday against the Blues.
- Pick 1: Predators -250
- Pick 2: Over 5.5 (-130)
Discover the latest stats and trends of this matchup here:
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