NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Predators vs Ducks (Sunday, February 25)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 24: Roman Josi #59 of the Nashville Predators skates with the puck against the San Jose Sharks during the first period of an NHL hockey game at SAP Center on February 24, 2024 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Predators vs. Ducks Odds
| Predators Odds | -160 |
| Ducks Odds | +135 |
| Over / Under | 6 -125o / +105u |
Here's everything you need to know about the Nashville Predators vs. Anaheim Ducks on Sunday, February 24 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.
With a fourth consecutive win last night in San Jose, first year coach Andrew Brunette's Predators moved back into the final wild card spot out West. They get a favorable matchup to build upon that lead on Sunday as they take on a Ducks team which has played to a record of just 8-19-1 at Honda Center.
In a season where oddsmakers and analysts alike were writing off the Predators, they are currently sitting with a slight lead in the Western wild card race. It hasn't simply been incredible play from Juuse Saros dragging them into the race as we have seen in a number of previous seasons, either.
The Predators have played to a 51.3% expected goal rating over the entirety of the season, and rank ninth with an xGF/60 of 3.44 this season.
Andrew Brunette didn't ultimately get a lot of credit for the Panthers historic 2021-22 season. His Panthers team paced the league by a wide margin with 4.11 goals for per game en route to a Presidents Trophy win, before he was fired over the Panthers second round sweep to the Lightning. Last season he was an assistant with the Devils, who scored the fifth most goals league wide and put up 113 points.
The more we see the Predators overachieve this season, the fact that Brunette is a really effective coach becomes clear. He's made the Predators into one of the leagues more under the radar teams in terms of watchability, as they are quietly playing an up-tempo style. They generate chances at a top third mark, but are just inside the bottom half in terms of chances against. They do a good job of driving possession in the offensive zone with effective interchanges, and high-to-low cycles.
As Juuse Saros started last night versus San Jose, backup Kevin Lankinen is likely to start in this matchup. Lankinen has played to a -5.4 GSAx and .888 save % across 16 appearances this season.
Over the last 10 games, the Ducks have been a profitable bet despite a record of 4-6 straight up. Offensive stars such as Troy Terry and Frank Vatrano have found their game, but a team shooting percentage of 13.01 is still unlikely to be sustained.
Their recent defensive play has still been among the leagues worst. Over the last 10 games the Ducks have allowed 33.52 shots per 60, and a 3.55 expected goals against per 60. Those are still improvements upon last seasons dreadful defensive form, but learning to play at both ends of the ice is still a need for Greg Cronin's young side.
John Gibson started last night's game in Los Angeles, and as a result we should expect Lukas Dostal to get the start in this one. Dostal has played to a -4.7 GSAx and .897 save % across 26 starts.
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Predators vs. Ducks
Betting Pick & Prediction
Andrew Brunette has done a good job of maximizing the offensive upside of his roster by instilling modern offensive play. The Predators do a good job of attacking with all five skaters in the offensive zone, and that strength has shined through in their four-game winning streak entering this matchup.
The Ducks are not good at pressuring blue-liners in the offensive zone and susceptible to high-low plays. They feature a lot of wingers who are not overly strong in terms of defensive play, and for the second consecutive season rank bottom five in shots on goal allowed versus defensemen.
Josi has been playing well recently, and put on a strong offensive performance last night in San Jose, with nine shot attempts, eight unblocked, as well as an assist. I think we see a similar showing in a good matchup tonight, and believe +112 is a great price to back Josi recording over 3.5 shots on goal.
Pick: Roman Josi Over 3.5 Shots on Goal (+112 | Play to +100)
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