The Pittsburgh Penguins return home to face the Nashville Predators at PPG Paints Arena. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for all the NHL’s games. In tonight’s matchup, both teams are eager to turn their seasons around and secure a crucial win.
NHL Predictions
Nashville Predators vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Penguins 1-0 Predators
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh; Bally Sports South; ESPN+
This is the second and final meeting between these teams this season. In the first, Pittsburgh beat the Predators 5-4 in overtime.
The Penguins’ Story
It’s the first game without Marcus Pettersson for the Penguins. Along with him, Drew O’Connor is also headed to Vancouver. In their place, forward Danton Heinen and defenceman Vincent Desharnais come to Pittsburgh. Heinen is in his second stint for Pittsburgh, having played with the team in 2021-2023. Deharnais meanwhile, spent time in Edmonton before signing with Vancouver in the off-season. Both players are likely to slot into the lineup, taking the places of the traded players.
Sidney Crosby leads the team in points, scoring 55 points in 53 games. Behind him, Rickard Rakell has 43 points in 52 games. Rakell’s bounce-back season makes him a tantalizing asset for contending teams nearing the deadline. In net, Joel Blomqvist is likely to get the start. He’ll be looking to turn his season around following a stretch of losses.
The Predators’ Story
The Predators have had a disappointing season. Following the signings of Steven Stamkos and Brady Skjei in free agency, Nashville is sitting at a record of 18-25-7. This record places them third-last in the league. Filip Forsberg leads the squad in points with 49 in 50 games. Behind him, another new acquisition in Jonathan Marchessault is second with 38 points in 50 games.
The established Predators have had down years by their standards as well. Captain Roman Josi has 35 points in 46 games. Ryan O’Reilly has seen a dip in his production with just 29 points in 47 games. In net, Juuse Saros hasn’t been as game-breaking as he has in the past. Saros has a .900 save percentage and an 11-20-6 record through 37 games.
Prediction
Missing pieces in Pettersson and Heinen, expect Pittsburgh to struggle to come out hot. While Nashville hasn’t had the season they wanted, they’re a skilled team with great talent. Expect Nashville to find a way to win in Pittsburgh.
Prediction: Predators win 4-3.
Prop Bet for the Night
FanDuel’s Over 6 Goals (-115) – With both teams having a high amount of firepower and relatively lacklustre defence’s, a high-scoring game is a good possibility.
Main photo by: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
