The Nashville Predators and Arizona Coyotes are both on the outside of the playoff picture, with only the Preds having a chance to squeeze into one of the two Western Conference Wild Card spots. Regardless of playoff potential, there is real betting value to be found from a matchup between two bottom-third teams in the NHL.
We’ll review the betting trends, stats, and odds before making our Predators vs Coyotes picks for your online sports betting ticket tonight.
Nashville Predators vs. Arizona Coyotes Odds
Before we dig into the recent Nashville Predators games or either team’s stats, we need to review the odds to make our NHL expert picks.
NHL odds list the Nashville Predators as the moneyline favorite, with odds from -164 to -175. As usual, the Arizona Coyotes odds on the underdog on the moneyline, with +136 and +145. Nashville has a 31-30 straight-up record, while Arizona has a 22-42 straight-up record.
As the moneyline underdog, the Yotes are listed at +1.5 on the puck line spread. Their odds range from -165 and -188. The Predators are listed at -1.5 on the puck line spread, with odds from +138 to +145. Nashville has a 31-30 ats record, while Arizona has a 34-30 ats record.
The primary total goals line is set at 6.0, although there are a few online sportsbooks listing this game at 6.5. However, we will use the predominant total goals line of 6.0 to make our Predators vs Coyotes picks.
With the total goals line listed at 6.0, the over is listed at -115. Meanwhile, the under is hovering between -103 and -105. The Yotes have a 32-30-2 over/under record, while the Predators have a 29-30-2 over/under record.
A couple of betting trends to consider: the over is 4-0 in the last four games in Arizona and 4-0-1 in the last five meetings overall. Historically, the home team is 45-20 in the last 65 head-to-head matchups.
Nashville Predators vs. Arizona Coyotes Matchup Information
Nashville Predators vs Arizona Coyotes
Location of the Game: Mullett Arena, Tempe, Arizona.
Date and Time: Thursday, March 9th, 2023, 9:00 p.m. ET.
How to Watch: NHLPP | ESPN+
Nashville Predators vs. Arizona Coyotes Betting Preview
Thursday’s Predators vs Coyotes game is the final matchup on the NHL schedule this season. The Yotes hold the season series advantage over the Predators, winning two of the three NHL games this season.
However, in Arizona, Nashville won the last game between these NHL teams 6-2 on February 26th, 2023.
Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators are fifth in the Central Divison NHL standings with 69 points, four points out of a Western Conference Wild Card spot but unlikely to claim one of those two spots.
Despite losing their last game to the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 in a shootout, the Predators need to continue their strong recent performances to have a shot at making the playoffs. Nashville has won three of the last five games. They have a 6-4 straight-up record (6-3-1) in the last ten games.
The Predators are 4-1 in their last four road games and in their last five games against the Western Conference.
The Predators have hit the under in three of the last five games. They have a 6-4 over/under record in the last ten games. The over is 5-12 in the Predators’ last eight games against the Western Conference.
Predators Ranking and Player Stats
Nashville is ranked 25th in the NHL, averaging 2.87 goals per game, while having the 23rd-ranked powerplay, converting at 19.1%.
Defense is where Nashville has traditionally shined, and 2023 is no exception. The Predators are ranked 12th, giving up 2.92 goals per game, while having the 11th-ranked penalty kill, operating at 19.1%.
Roman Josi has five points in his last five games and leads the predators in NHL player stats with 56 points (17 goals, 39 assists). Matt Duchene leads Nashville with 19 goals.
While both teams have a litany of names on the NHL injury report, Nashville is only expecting center Philip Tomasino back in the lineup soon, who is listed as questionable.
We expect Nashville’s number one goalie and foundation of their defensive strength Juuse Saros to get the start for the Predators on Thursday night. Saros has a 24-17-6 record, a 2.75 GAA, and a .917 SV%.
Arizona Coyotes
The Arizona Coyotes are currently ranked seventh in the Central division and won’t make the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, which is nothing new for the Desert Dogs. The Yotes won their last game but have dropped three of the last five games and have a 4-6 straight-up record (4-4-2) in the last ten.
The Yotes have hit the over in three straight games and have a 6-3-1 over/under record in the last ten. The over is 5-1 in the Coyotes’ last six home games and 6-1-2 in the last nine games against the Western Conference.
Coyotes Ranking and Player Stats
Arizona is ranked 27th in the NHL, averaging 2.72 goals per game, while having the 25th-ranked powerplay, converting at 18.9%.
Defensively, the Yotes’ stats are just as bad. Arizona is ranked 24th, giving up 3.53 goals per game, while having the 27th-ranked penalty-killing unit, operating at 74.5%.
Offensively, it’s the Clayton Keller show in the desert. Keller has seven points in his last five games and leads the Yotes in NHL player stats with 63 points (26 goals, 37 assists).
If we tried to list all of the players on Arizona’s injury report, we’d have to change the topic of this article from a betting preview to a roll call. However, Arizona will eventually welcome Liam O’Brien and Brett Ritchie into the lineup, with both being listed as day-to-day.
We expect Karel Vejmelka to get the start for the Yotes on Thursday night. Vejmelka has a 17-19-5 record, a 3.36 GAA, and a.904 SV% so far this season.
Nashville Predators vs. Arizona Coyotes Betting Picks
Now that we have reviewed all the stats, betting trends, and odds, we need to make our final Predators vs Coyotes picks.
Our first pick is to take the Nashville Predators to win on the moneyline. The Predators are the better team on paper and have won five of the last seven games. With something to play for but a depleted roster, Nashville should be up for this game and competitive throughout.
Plus, Juuse Saros is far and away the best goalie for either team. Take the Preds on the moneyline.
The second of our Predators vs Coyotes picks is to take the over. Two of the three games between the Predators and Coyotes have hit the over of 6.0, while the third game ended at six total goals.
- NHL Picks: Nashville Predators ML, Over.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.