Nashville Predators (12-12-0) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (7-16-0)
Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks 12/5/23 – The Nashville Predators (12-12-0) take on the struggling Chicago Blackhawks (7-16-0) on Tuesday night for an Central Division matchup. This game features two teams trending in opposite directions. Our hockey free picks have the Predators as clear favorites based on recent play.
Nashville Predators’ offense is led by Filip Forsberg’s team-high 13 goals along with Ryan O’Reilly’s 21 points. This one-two punch could exploit Chicago’s poor defensive play. The Blackhawks allow 3.96 goals against per game – fifth-worst in the NHL. If Nashville gets going early, it could be a long night for Chicago.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks offense runs through rookie phenom Connor Bedard. His 20 points lead the team, but he will be tested by Juuse Saros. Saros comes in with a strong .930 save percentage for Nashville. His stellar play gives the Predators a back-end advantage.
Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks 12/5/23 Game Info
| When: | Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 8:30 PM ET |
| Where: | United Center |
| TV: | |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Juuse Saros vs. Goaltender Petr Mrazek
Juuse Saros has been outstanding this season, establishing himself as one of the NHL’s premier netminders. Through 19 starts, he has compiled a strong .930 save percentage along with a 2.26 GAA. Both marks rank among the top goalies in the league. Saros uses his quick reflexes and technical skill to take away the bottom portion of the net. He forces shooters to try and beat him high or wide. So far this season, opponents have struggled to put pucks past Saros in the high-danger scoring areas near the crease. Playing the struggling Blackhawks plays right into Saros’ strengths. Chicago has issues generating consistent offense and likes to funnel pucks low for rebounds and deflections. However, Saros thrives on stopping those bang-bang sequences in tight. His rock-solid play gives Nashville a goaltending edge most nights. Given Chicago’s scoring woes, expect Saros and his stingy defense to suffocate the Blackhawks for minimal scoring chances and goals.
Petr Mrazek has disappointed this season for Chicago. Through 14 starts, he owns a ghastly .899 save percentage along with a bloated 3.42 GAA – among the highest marks league-wide for goalies with regular playing time. Mrazek lacks confidence right now, struggling with rebound control and overplaying shooters against him. Opponents are targeting his glove side and five-hole which have been major areas of weakness during his poor campaign. With how well Nashville finishes scoring chances, Mrazek figures to have his hands full all night. The Predators offense knows how to create havoc and chaos in front. Considering Mrazek’s current woes tracking pucks through traffic, he could yield some soft goals if Nashville consistently crowds his crease. Simply put, the Blackhawks need vintage play from their netminder to compete. Based on his play of late, asking Mrazek to steal a win seems highly unlikely tonight.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: Nashville Predators -175, Total Odds: 6.5
The betting odds favor the Nashville Predators, likely due to their relatively better performance this season and their dominance in recent matchups against Chicago. The over/under set at 6.5 points towards expectations of a moderately high-scoring game.
Nashville Predators Betting Trends
The betting trends heavily favor Nashville as the superior side to wager on for Tuesday’s contest. Starting with the Predators, they ride a blazing 7-2 SU run over their past nine games. The mark of a confident, in-form team catching fire at the right time. Their puck line and moneyline odds provide betting value to capitalize on that momentum. Defensively stout with Saros in net, Nashville limits chances and knows how to close out opponents like the struggling Blackhawks.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Trends
As for Chicago, they check all the boxes of a severely underwhelming hockey club from a betting perspective. Losers of nine of their previous 11 matchups, along with a dreadful 3-12 home record – the Blackhawks simply don’t win games right now regardless of opponent or venue. Those alarming SU trends showcase a team best suited for bettors to go against until dramatic changes transpire. Considering their lackluster play versus contending clubs like the Predators, expect another convincing win for Nashville on Tuesday night at United Center.
Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks 12/5/23 Betting Picks
Considering the current form and historical performance of both teams, the Predators seem to have the upper hand in this matchup. However, the Blackhawks, playing at home, could leverage their underdog status to stage an upset.
In terms of betting, while the Predators are the safer pick, the Blackhawks might offer value for those seeking riskier bets. The over/under should be approached cautiously, considering the inconsistent offensive performances of both teams.
For pro handicapping experts, this game presents a unique challenge due to the unpredictable nature of both teams’ performances.
Free Pick and Prediction: Nashville Predators 4, Chicago Blackhawks 2.