Predators Host Hurricanes Thursday, April 6, 2023 Odds and Picks

Last week’s tragic shooting at a Nashville school has galvanized the Predators.  Nashville began the week three points out of the final Western Conference playoff spot.  The Preds have won two of their last three games.  Now they host a Carolina team that has dropped three of its last four outings.  Carolina has run out of NHL betting steam recently.  The Hurricanes lead the Metropolitan Division, but there are concerns about a lack of a finishing scorer.  Carolina is a team greater than the total sum of their parts.  But Nashville has motivation in this spot.

Hurricanes vs. Predators CashBet Wagering Analysis  

On this occasion, the Predators face the sportsbook reality of having no margin for error.  Every game means to win or else for the Preds.  Nashville has been a sluggish team most of the year.  But they have had a recent bump.  Gamblers are annoyed at Nashville’s inability to score goals.  But undertakers like the Preds for low-scoring games that go under the total.  By contrast, Hurricanes have become one of the most effective brands on the board.  And after a brief dip, the Hurricanes are back on track.  In like manner to Nashville, Carolina is an undertaker’s team.

Hurricanes Seek to Clinch Metropolitan Division

Late on, Carolina has won two out of their last three matchups.  The Hurricanes have gone under the total in five of its previous seven tilts.  Overall, Carolina has NHL rankings of 15^th for goals scored and 19^th for power play efficiency.  Defensively, the Hurricanes have NHL rankings of 2^nd for goals against and 2^nd for penalty killing.     

In sum, the Hurricanes have a record of 49-18-9 straight up and 33-41 over/under the total.  Carolina is 1^st in the Metropolitan Division playoff standings.  New Jersey is three points behind the Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

First among Carolina scorers is Martin Necas, with 27 goals, 41 assists, 68 points, and a +3.  Also, Sebastian Aho has 34 goals, 30 assists, 64 points, and a +8. Number one goaltender Frederik Andersen has a .904 save percentage and 2.42 goals against average.  His record is 20-9-1 with one shutout.  In comparison, backup goalie Pyotr Kochetkov has a .909 save percentage and 2.44 goals against average.  His record is 12-7-5 with four shutouts.

Every Game is a Must Win Game for the Predators

Late on, Nashville has won four out of their last seven betting on NHL matchups.  The Predators have gone under the total in three of its previous four tilts.  Overall, Nashville has NHL rankings of 27^th for goals scored and 27^th for power play efficiency.  Defensively, the Preds have NHL rankings of 12^th for goals against and 8^th for penalty killing.

In sum, the Predators have a pro hockey betting record of 38-29-8 straight up and 33-39 over/under the total.  Nashville is 10^th in the Western Conference playoff standings.  In the Western Conference playoff race, Nashville is five points behind the Winnipeg Jets.  But the Preds have two games in hand.

First among Nashville scorers is Roman Josi with 18 goals, 41 assists, 59 points, and a +5.  Also, Matt Duchene has 22 goals, 34 assists, 56 points, and a +4. Number one goaltender Jusse Saros has a .918 save percentage and 2.72 goals against average.  His record is 30-21-7 with one shutout.  In comparison, backup goalie Kevin Lankinen has a .917 save percentage and 2.72 goals against average.  His hockey betting record is 8-7-1 with no shutouts.

Hurricanes vs. Predators CashBet Free Pick  

In this situation, Carolina will get an NHL gambling price break as the away team.  The Hurricanes have covered four of their last five games against the Predators.  Five of the last seven games in this series have gone over the total.

Hurricanes vs. Predators CashBet Best Bet

Carolina Hurricanes