NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Predators vs Hurricanes (Friday, December 15)
AP Photo/Mark Zaleski. Pictured: Roman Josi
Predators vs. Hurricanes Odds
| Predators Odds | +146 |
| Hurricanes Odds | -178 |
| Over / Under | 6.5 +106 / -130 |
The Predators have devoured their opposition lately, taking down 11 of the last 14 teams they've faced. That surge in their points percentage has rocketed them up the standings and given them a boatload of momentum as they head to Raleigh.
The same can't be said for the Hurricanes. Carolina wrapped up a six-game road trip with a disappointing 2-4-0 record. Although their two wins have come in their two most recent outings, the Hurricanes have to contend with scheduling woes ahead of Friday night's home tilt.
Several factors are slowing down the Canes. We're expecting them to run out of steam as they return home to compete on the second night of a back-to-back after an extended road trip.
Let's dive into the latest NHL odds as well as my preview and prediction for Predators vs. Hurricanes on Friday, December 15.
Nashville's rise in the standings has been a total team effort. The Central Division contenders have 10 different players with at least 10 points, relying on offensive production and depth scoring from all four lines. Additionally, they have more defensive involvement than most other teams. Roman Josi has proven to be an invaluable part of the Preds' backend and perennial Norris contender. Moreover, Nashville has four defensemen with at least nine points on the season. But as much as everybody contributes around him, this team wouldn't be in the position they're in without Juuse Saros.
Saros has been a stabilizing force in the Predators' defensive zone for the last few seasons. The Finnish netminder has led the NHL in starts over the previous two seasons, also setting the high mark in saves and Goalie Point Shares in 2022-23. Saros has picked up where he left off this year, already leading the league in saves and starts. Still, we've yet to see him reach the pinnacle of what he has to offer.
The Predators' stalwart has posted a quality start percentage above 63.0% in each of the last seasons. This year, he's languishing at 52.2%. Likewise, we're seeing a slightly diminished save percentage. Saros' season-long average is up to 91.0% after Nashville's extended run but still below his career average of 91.9%.
As good as the Predators have been, it's conceivable that they ride Saros' progression further. His metrics should continue to climb toward career norms, bringing the Predators' win total up with them.
The Hurricanes wrapped up their roadie with a valiant effort against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night. Carolina escaped with a 2-1 win while putting together one of their most assertive efforts of the season. The troublesome angle is that Thursday's performance has been the outlier in an otherwise disastrous sample.
Prior to their most recent win, the Canes had been outplayed in four straight games. Over that modest stretch, Carolina had given up at least ten high-danger chances in each outing, with a woeful average of 14.3 per game. Consequently, the Hurricanes were skating around with a rock-bottom 41.8% expected goals-for rating.
Sadly, we're anticipating regression from the Canes after last night's effort. Carolina is skating on consecutive nights, playing their third game in four nights and sixth in ten. Throughout the span, Carolina has traveled across the continent, with games occurring in four different time zones. That's a challenging schedule to navigate, setting up tonight's game as a flat spot.
Lastly, back-to-backs have been unkind to the Hurricanes this season. Carolina is 2-2-0 while playing on the backend of consecutive nights, with a sub-optimal 48.1% expected goals-for rating.
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Predators vs. Hurricanes
Betting Pick & Prediction
Friday night is an ideal spot to back the underdog Predators. Nashville is running hot these days, but Saros is still operating below average levels. Moreover, the team's PDO is hovering around 1.005, implying their torrid streak could continue.
Conversely, the Hurricanes are settling into the comforts of home, traveling overnight to get home for a 7:30 p.m. puck drop after a cross-continent trip. Carolina could fall flat on its face against the Preds.
This line may move further away from the Predators as we approach puck drop. Nevertheless, we're playing this line at +150 or better.
Pick: Predators +150 (PointsBet)
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