Predators vs. Ducks NHL Odds, Picks, Predictions: Back the Road Favorite in Anaheim (March 21)
Frederick Breedon/Getty Images. Pictured: Roman Josi
- The Ducks host the Predators as home underdogs on Monday night.
- The Predators have been hot lately, but is this a good sell-high spot for them?
- Jonny Lazarus breaks down the matchup and shares his best bet below.
Predators vs. Ducks Odds
| Predators Odds | -160 |
| Ducks Odds | +135 |
| Over/Under | 5.5 |
| Time | 10 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
| Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
The Anaheim Ducks are going through a ton of adversity right now as they are currently battling through a six-game losing streak. The Ducks have fallen to sixth place in the Pacific Division, and their playoff hopes are dwindling.
The Nashville Predators are grinding their way into second place in the Central Division as they currently sit in fourth, but they are only one point behind third place. The Preds come into Anaheim as winners of three of their last four games.
Nashville Predators Playing Well at the Right Time
The Nashville Predators have been playing some their best hockey as of late, and it all starts with their leader, Roman Josi. He is having a phenomenal season and is making a real case for himself to win another Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman.
Josi leads all defenseman in scoring with 17 goals, 58 assists and 75 points in 60 games played. He had three assists in the Predators' last game, a 6-3 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Matt Duchene and Filip Forsberg are two other players contributing to the offense at a consistent rate, and each had a goal and an assist against the Leafs. Both of them have had incredible seasons. Duchene has 32 goals and 31 assists in 58 games, and Forsberg has 33 goals and 25 assists in 49 games. Nashville's offense has been buzzing in its last four games as they have scored 20 goals in this span while outscoring opponents 20-11.
As a whole, Nashville has been a solid team offensively all season. The Predators currently rank as the 12th-highest scoring team, averaging 3.26 goals per game. However, they aren't generating that many Shots on Goal, only generating 29.4 (26th). Their Power Play has helped carry the production as they are scoring on 23.8% of their chances (eighth).
As good as the Predators have been offensively, they are even better in goal. Even though Josi leads the team in scoring, there is no doubt that Juuse Saros has been the team's most valuable player. Saros is 30-19-3 on the season with a .923 Save Percentage and a third-best +23.9 GSAx. He stopped 38 of 41 shots in his last start.
Anaheim Ducks Have Fallen Apart
Anaheim does not have their Ducks in a row right now. The Ducks have lost six straight games and their offense is struggling. To be fair, five out of those six games did come on the road, but this is a team that could potentially make the playoffs if they can figure it out.
During this six-game span, the Ducks have been outscored by their opponents by a total of 24-11. Granted, they have been missing some key players from their lineup like Ryan Getzlaf, Rickard Rakell and Jakob Silfverberg. Nonetheless, the Ducks are coming off of a 3-0 loss at home against the Florida Panthers in which they were completely dominated and outshot 42-17.
The Ducks are also going through a transitional phase on the defensive end as they traded away two long-time members of their blue line this past week. Josh Manson and Hampus Lindholm have found new homes, but they were staples on this roster for the past couple of seasons.
It is clear that the Ducks are going through a ton of adversity right now, including their goaltender John Gibson. He hasn't had his best season, posting a record of 17-19-9 with a .906 Save Percentage and a -10.9 GSAx. He will have to step up his game tonight when he goes up against one of the best goalies in the league on the other end.
Predators vs. Ducks Pick
Despite Nashville being on the road, they have been the clear cut better team as of late and all season. Saros is very trustworthy in between the pipes, and this Preds team is firing on all cylinders right now.
The Ducks are a decent home ice team, but Nashville actually has a better road record than Anaheim does a home record, so there is no concern with the home ice advantage.
The Preds have won bibe of the last 13 meetings between these two teams, and I think tonight will be the 10th. Expect the Preds to extend Anaheim's losing streak to seven straight games. Even though they might be slightly heavily favored, I am confident that they will win so I will take the juice that comes with it.
Pick: Nashville Predators ML -160
How would you rate this article?
Follow Us On Social
