The early window of Friday’s NHL slate features a Central Division tilt with the Chicago Blackhawks hosting the Nashville Predators. NHL odds have Nashville as a massive –250 favorite while the total sits at 5.5 or six, depending on the book.
Join me as I break down the best NHL picks in Friday's Predators vs. Blackhawks predictions on Friday, April 12.
Predators vs Blackhawks prediction
My best bet
Predators -1.5 (+105 at DraftKings)
My analysis
These two teams are in very different spots at this stage of the campaign. The Chicago Blackhawks are experimenting with different line combinations and call-ups as it looks to the future following another last-place finish in the Central Division.
Meanwhile, the Nashville Predators want these two points to hold onto that first wild-card seed with the playoffs right around the corner. Those two points should not be too difficult to come by as the Preds are simply better than the Hawks in every facet of the game.
Offensively, they rank higher in goals scored per game, shots on goal per game, power play percentage, and shooting percentage. Defensively, they rank higher in goals allowed per game and shots on goal allowed per game.
Not only is Nashville stronger both offensively and defensively, but they are also the superior team on special teams and in the faceoff circle. Analytically, the Predators also pace Chicago in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60), expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) and expected goal differential per 60 minutes.
You probably get the point by now, there is just not a single advantage the Hawks possess in this matchup other than home ice. With that said, the Preds’ road win percentage is higher than the Blackhawks’ home win percentage.
Finally, goaltender Juuse Saros is slated to guard the cage for Nashville, and he should be a good candidate to back. Over his past 15 starts against Chicago, Saros is 12-1-2 with a commanding .942 SV% and 1.71 GAA.
Predators vs Blackhawks same-game parlay (SGP)
Predators -1.5
Ryan O’Reilly to score
If we are backing Nashville to win by at least a two-goal margin, then we obviously need its skaters to find the back of the net. A good option to back in that department is forward Ryan O’Reilly, who leads the team in power-play goals.
That is worth noting as Chicago ranks 21st in penalty kill percentage this season. Therefore, it is not shocking that O’Reilly has scored in each of the Preds’ past two games against the Hawks.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Predators vs Blackhawks odds
Predators vs Blackhawks live odds
Predators vs Blackhawks opening odds
- Puck line: Nashville -1.5 | Chicago +1.5
- Moneyline: Nashville -250 | Chicago +214
- Over/Under: Over 6 | Under 6
Predators vs Blackhawks moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- Nashville opened as a –250 favorite and remains at that price at the time of writing.
- I don’t think the market will move this number any closer to Chicago, given all the aforementioned variables.
- The total opened at 5.5 or six, depending on the book.
- The Over / Under is 4-6 over the past 10 meetings between these two teams
Predators vs Blackhawks trend
Nashville has won by at least two goals in four of its past five wins over Chicago. Find more NHL betting trends for Predators vs. Blackhawks.
Predators vs Blackhawks game info
| Location: | United Center, Chicago, IL |
| Date: | Friday, 4-12-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NBCSCH+ 2, BSSO |
Predators vs Blackhawks latest injuries
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