Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks Prediction: Will Connor Bedard, Blackhawks Struggle Vs. Predators?
Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks Prediction: Will Connor Bedard, Blackhawks Struggle Vs. Predators?
Today the Nashville Predators travel to Chicago to take on the Blackhawks. I believe even though Saros is not playing today, I believe the Chicago Blackhawks will go under 2.5 goals and down below I will explain why.
Predators vs. Blackhawks DATE, TIME, AND WHERE TO WATCH
- Date: April 12, 2024
- Start Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN+
Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks Prediction
Nashville is coming off an OT loss to Winnipeg where they clinched a playoff spot with the point from that game, and now travel to Chicago to face the second-to-last place team. Despite securing their spot in the playoffs last game, the Predators still need points to ensure they stay ahead of Vegas for the 1st wild card spot and avoid a first round matchup with the top team in the west, the Dallas Stars.
Over the last month and a half, the Blackhawks have scored the second-fewest goals in the league (on the third-fewest shots), along with second-fewest expected goals, created the fewest scoring chances, and fewest high danger scoring chances. Meanwhile, Nashville has been top 10 in goals against and expected goals against, scoring chances allowed, and high danger chances allowed.
On top of this, Juuse Saros has really strong numbers vs. Chicago over his career with a 12-3-2 record, 1.99 GAA, and .933 save %. Looking more recently at just his last 10 matchups with them, he is 8-1-1 with a 1.69 GAA and .941 save %, and Chicago has only scored three goals on Saros twice in those 10 games. With that being said, I still believe Kevin Lankinen will play close to Saros' potential and give up less than 2.5 goals today. We don't have many stats on Lankinen like we do Saros, but Nashville is trusting him over Saros tonight, so I am trusting him too.
Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks Pick
Pick: Chicago Blackhawks TT u2.5 (-145) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds