Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Nashville Predators vs Ottawa Senators. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Nashville Predators vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Predators 0-0 Senators
TV: Bally Sports South; NHL Network; Sportsnet
Our featured and only game of NHL predictions has the Predators and Senators in their second-to-last game before the All-Star Break. Both teams are on the outside looking in of the current Stanley Cup Playoff picture. However, the Predators are in far better shape than the Senators. Nashville is one point off the second post-season spot while Ottawa is likely playing out the string already.
The Nashville Side
Juuse Saros is the projected starter for Nashville, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Predators have lost three of the last five games and were victim number 16 to the Edmonton Oilers. Nashville has been inconsistent at times this season. The team is 18th in goals scored and 19th in goals against. Special teams has been a problem with the club with the Predators being 20th on the power play and 27th on the penalty kill. Filip Forsberg leads in goals with 23 while Roman Josi is heading up the assists category with 32.
The Ottawa Side
Jonas Korpisalo is the likely starter for the Senators, who have lost three of the last five. Korpisalo was pulled in Saturday night’s loss to the New York Rangers, who scored five straight goals. Defence has been a problem under interim boss Jacques Martin. Ottawa has averaged 4.00 goals against since he took over for D.J. Smith. The Sens are 14th in goals for, but 26th in goals allowed. Special teams has also been a headache with the Senators 23rd on the power play and 28th on the man down. Brady Tkachuk has 20 goals and Tim Stutzle has 35 assists to lead in those categories.
Prediction
Saros does have the ability to steal a game when the defence is playing well in front of him. There are times he’s looked like a Vezina Trophy candidate and is on the struggle bus at other times. The comparisons between the teams favour Ottawa, but Andrew Brunette has done well with the tools he’s been given.
Ottawa was supposed to take the next step, but things have gone off the rails for this talented yet struggling team. The Senators would love some positive momentum, but the Predators pick up the win.
Prediction: Predators win 4-2.
Prop Bet(s) of the Night
If you’re looking for some other side action to go with this game, we have a prop bet to watch for each club. Let’s start off with Nashville and their underrated star in Josi. The Nashville captain has gotten points in three of the last five games, including two multiple-point outings. We like Josi and the over of +1.0 points.
On the Ottawa side, we feel Korpisalo will have a bounce-back game. We like him getting +25 saves in this one. If Mads Sogaard gets the call, we like the same thing for him. Nashville puts up around 30 shots per game and either Ottawa goalie will look to rebound after Saturday’s bad outing for both netminders. Korpisalo has been disappointing this season, but has the ability to put a decent game together.
Main photo by: Marc DesRosiers – USA TODAY Sports
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