Two of the best hockey teams in the Western Conference will square off in Nashville on Sunday night when the Predators host the Anaheim Ducks. The Predators have picked up where they left off last season, and have racked up a league-high 33 points. Nashville leads the competitive Central Division, and look like a Stanley Cup contender this season. The Anaheim Ducks have won two straight games, and come into this contest with 25 points. The Ducks sit in third place in the Pacific Division, trailing the San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames. This game could be a potential playoff preview, and figures to be a low scoring affair.
Predators vs. Ducks Odds
The moneyline for this game is Nashville -235 while the Ducks check in at +195. The over/under for total goals scored is set at 5.5 goals.
Predators vs. Ducks Head to Head
This is the second game between the Nashville Predators and Anaheim Ducks this season. The Ducks were able to sneak out a 2-1 victory over the Predators earlier this season, and Nashville will be looking for revenge at home.
Predators vs. Ducks Stats
The Predators have been the toughest team in the NHL to score on this season, allowing just 2.39 goals per game. Goaltender Pekka Rinne has recorded two shutouts already this season and has posted a 1.66 goals against average. Center Filip Forsberg is the only Nashville player that has reached double-figures in goals scored, coming into this game with 14 of them.
Anaheim has had tons of trouble putting goals in the net this season, and come in averaging just 2.17 goals per game. Center Ryan Getzlaf has been the offensive star for the Ducks this season, leading the team with six goals, 11 assists, and 17 points. Goalie John Gibson has posted an 8-7-4 record with a 2.49 goals against average.
Predators vs. Ducks News
Pekka Rinne recently set an NHL record for most wins in NHL history by a goalie from Finland. The Predators are dealing with a few key injuries coming into this game as they remain without defenseman P.K. Subban, who is still on injured reserve. Viktor Arvidsson is also out of the lineup for the Predators as he continues to recover from a broken thumb.
Anaheim is also playing without one of their top defensemen as Cam Fowler recently underwent facial surgery and is expected to miss an extended period of time. The Ducks and the city of Anaheim recently announced a new deal that will keep the team in the city through the year 2048.
Predators vs. Ducks Predictions
Both the Predators and Ducks have been hard to score on this season, but Nashville actually features an offensive attack. Anaheim can’t seem to find the chemistry needed on offense and has struggled to put pucks into the back of the net. Nashville has been one of the best teams in the NHL in recent seasons, and they are hard to beat at home. Look for the Predators to find just enough scoring to beat the Ducks in this game. Bet Nashville -235 over Anaheim on Sunday night.
