Nashville Predators (15-13-0) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (14-12-1)
Nashville Predators vs. Carolina Hurricanes 12/15/23 – The NHL regular season brings an intriguing matchup on Friday, December 15, 2023, as the Nashville Predators face off against the Carolina Hurricanes. Both teams come into the game with almost equal standings, adding an extra layer of competition. The Predators, holding a 15-13-0 record, will be looking to capitalize on their marginal lead over the Hurricanes, who stand at 14-12-1. The clash at PNC Arena, scheduled for 7:30 PM ET, will be a showdown for fans seeking the best NHL free picks.
The Predators offense runs through Filip Forsberg, who leads the team with 14 goals. His scoring prowess could exploit a Hurricanes defense that has struggled recently, allowing 3.4 goals per game over their last five contests. However, the Hurricanes have playmakers like Sebastian Aho to counter, as his 22 points lead the squad. It remains to be seen if Nashville’s middling defense, anchored by Roman Josi, can slow down Carolina’s dangerous attack.
Speaking of dangerous attacks, Carolina boasts a deep forward group led by Aho’s 22 points. Players like Martin Necas and Seth Jarvis give the Canes scoring depth to challenge Nashville’s defense. The Preds will lean on defenseman Roman Josi to try and limit Carolina’s prolific offense. Josi leads the Predators in ice time with over 24 minutes per game, so expect him to be tasked with shutting down Carolina’s top forwards all night.
Nashville Predators vs. Carolina Hurricanes Game Info
| When: | Friday, December 15, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | PNC Arena |
| TV: | ESP+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Juuse Saros vs. Goaltender Antti Raanta
For the Nashville Predators, goaltender Juuse Saros has struggled to a 2.83 GAA this year. If he can’t find his form against an opportunistic Hurricanes offense, Nashville could be in trouble. The Canes test goalies with both skill and high shot volume, peppering opponents with over 30 shots per game. Saros must stay sharp and hope his defense limits grade-A chances.
On the other side, Carolina Hurricanes’ Antti Raanta has posted excellent numbers with a 2.40 GAA. However, his .86 save percentage indicates he may be due for regression. If Nashville’s forwards can exploit Raanta, it could swing the game in their favor. The Preds own offensive talent in Forsberg and O’Reilly that could bombard Raanta with shots. Still, Raanta has shown brilliance at times and could stonewall Nashville if he’s on his game.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be determined, but they will likely be close, given the teams’ similar records. Bettors should keep an eye on the evolving odds and consider factors such as home advantage and recent performance trends.
Nashville Predators Betting Trends
The Predators trends reveal a struggling team still searching for consistency. Nashville is just 2-3 over their last five contests, while also going 1-4 against the spread during that span. Digging deeper shows they particularly struggle to cover on the road, owning a 5-8 mark in away games. However, totals bettors may look to play overs given the over has hit in two of their past five matchups and five of their last seven road tilts.
Carolina Hurricanes Betting Trends
Carolina mirrors Nashville in inconsistencies, with middling 2-3 record over their previous five outings. Like the Preds, they’ve struggled against the number during that stretch, covering just once across five games. Carolina has been a poor pick for bettors away from home as well, owning a 4-12 road record versus the spread. The Canes team total has stayed under in three of their last five, but sailed over in five of their last 11 at PNC Arena.
Nashville Predators vs. Carolina Hurricanes 12/15/23 Betting Picks
Based on the analysis and betting trends, this game appears to be a tight contest. Both teams have shown similar forms and challenges. The key will be the goaltenders’ performance and the ability of each team’s offensive leaders to exploit the opposition’s defense.
In making a pick, one must consider the slight edge the Hurricanes might have playing at home. However, the Predators’ offensive threats cannot be underestimated. Prop bets on individual player performances, such as Forsberg or Aho scoring, might be worth considering. The over/under will depend on the goaltenders’ form on the day, but a moderate-scoring game seems likely.
Handicapper’s expert tips suggest a close game, with a slight edge to the home team due to their home advantage.
Free Pick and Prediction: Nashville Predators 3, Carolina Hurricanes 4