Predators vs. Ducks: NHL Best Bets, Picks & Predictions (Friday)
We have a small four-game slate of hockey on Friday with some great matchups. Below, I give out my three best bets for Friday’s NHL slate. And here’s a closer look at Predators vs. Ducks.
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Top 3 NHL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Predators vs. Ducks
Nashville Predators (-160) @ Anaheim Ducks (+140) | O/U 6 (-115/-105)
To kick off Friday’s slate, there is a Western Conference tilt with the Pacific Division’s Anaheim Ducks hosting the Central Division’s Nashville Predators. The Preds won the first meeting between these two clubs this year with a 2-1 overtime victory, and they should be able to take care of business once again.
This game presents a terrific “get right†opportunity for the Predators, who have lost eight of their last 10 games. However, It has been a tough schedule for Nashville, as six of those eight losses came against teams that were in the playoffs last year.
Nashville ranks higher than Anaheim in pretty much every category across the board. At 5-on-5, the Preds rank higher in both xGF/60 and expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60).
Additionally, they boast the goaltender advantage as Juuse Saros is projected to start between the pipes. Through 26 starts this season, Saros boasts a .914 SV% and 2.82 GAA.
Entering this game in particularly dominant form, he has posted a .935 SV% and 2.23 GAA over his last seven outings. Based on his metrics, regression is unlikely for Nashville’s netminder as he ranks 12th among starting goaltenders in GSAx/60 at 5-on-5.
Over his six career starts against the Ducks, Saros is 4-1-1 with a .923 SV% and 2.46 GAA. Across the ice, goaltender John Gibson is expected to start for Anaheim.
While Gibson is dealt a bad hand with the team in front of him, he has still struggled in his own right as he is just 6-14-3 with a .900 SV% and 3.88 GAA through 23 starts this season. Over his last three starts against the Preds, he is 0-2-1 with a .900 SV% and 3.33 GAA.
While the price is a bit juicy for Nashville, It is worth the squeeze considering they are better in every aspect of this contest.
Best Bet: Predators ML (-160)
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