Arizona Coyotes vs Nashville Predators: NHL Betting Preview & Expert Picks, February 26, 2023

Odds

2021-2022 season stats

Preview

The Arizona Coyotes will host the Nashville Predators at the Mullett Arena on Sunday, February 26th, 2023. These teams already faced each other twice so far this season and they're tied 1-1.

Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators are in the midst of a challenging stretch, having split their last 6 games. They looked good in their last 2 games scoring at least 5 goals per game. With the playoffs quickly approaching, the Predators are facing a daunting challenge to secure a spot in the postseason, currently sitting in 10th place in the Western Conference.

To overcome their recent struggles, the Predators will need to rely on their star players to lead the way. One of the most important players on the team is Roman Josi, the talented defenseman who has taken the team lead in points with 44 on the season. In his last seven games, Josi has recorded eight points and boasts a plus-three rating. His impressive performance on both ends of the ice has been a key factor in the team's success this season.

Another standout performer for the Predators is Matt Duchene, the veteran center who has been producing consistently in recent games. Duchene has tallied six points in his last six games, bringing his season total to 16 goals and 42 assists. His experience and leadership will be crucial in guiding the team through its current struggles.

However, despite the strong performances of Josi and Duchene, the Predators have struggled to score consistently, ranking 26th in the league with an average of just 2.7 goals per game. This lack of scoring has put pressure on the team's defense and goaltending, which has also been inconsistent in recent games.

In net, the Predators will likely turn to Juuse Saros, the veteran netminder who has been a key presence between the pipes all season. Despite often facing a barrage of shots, Saros has the ability to steal games for the team. He boasts a strong .917 save percentage and a 20-15-5 record, despite conceding an average of three goals per game, which places the team at 13th in the league in that category.

As the Predators gear up for their upcoming games, the team must find a way to come together and overcome their recent struggles. With the playoffs on the line, every game counts, and the team must step up and perform at its best to secure a spot in the postseason. Ryan Johansen, the team's 30-year-old center who has struggled to produce in recent games, will need to find his scoring touch once again to help lift the team.

The Predators' recent struggles have highlighted the challenges that the team faces as it competes in a highly competitive Western Conference. However, the team's talented roster and experienced leadership give fans reasons to be optimistic about the team's chances of making a run for the playoffs. With key games ahead, the Predators must find a way to come together and play at their best to secure a spot in the postseason

Arizona Coyotes

The Arizona Coyotes have been an inconsistent team this season, struggling to find their footing and string together a consistent run of positive results. However, in their most recent ten games, the Coyotes have shown an impressive level of form, with a record of 5-1-4. They have been able to achieve this thanks in no small part to the efforts of forward Clayton Keller, who has been their most reliable offensive player this season.

Keller has been a shining light for the Coyotes, providing a consistent source of goals and assists. With 23 goals and 30 assists to his name, he has been the driving force behind many of the team's recent positive results. The Coyotes will be hoping that Keller can maintain his form as they look to continue their recent run of success.

Despite their recent improvement, the Coyotes' defense remains a major concern. They have been conceding an average of 3.1 goals per game, which is one of the worst records in the league. While they have been disciplined, with an average of 4.4 penalties and 11.6 penalty minutes per game, they will need to tighten up defensively if they are to come away with a win in their upcoming games.

To achieve this, the Coyotes will need to limit the scoring opportunities of their opponents, the Nashville Predators. They will also need to focus on capitalizing on their power play opportunities, which have been a strength for the team this season. With a success rate of 21.1%, the Coyotes have been able to score crucial goals when playing with an advantage, and they will need to continue to do so if they are to secure a victory.

However, the Coyotes cannot rely solely on Keller and their power play unit if they are to maintain their recent level of form. They will need their secondary scorers, such as Nick Schmaltz and Christian Dvorak, to step up and provide additional offensive support. The team will also need to continue to work hard defensively and avoid conceding easy goals if they are to continue their upward trajectory.

BETTING TRENDS

The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games.

The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville's last 6 games on the road.

Nashville are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Arizona.

Nashville are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games against an opponent in the Central Division division.

Arizona are 7-13 SU in their last 20 games.

The total has gone OVER in 8 of Arizona's last 12 games against Nashville.

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games at home.

Arizona are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Nashville.

Prediction

The Predators have a more experienced and well-rounded team. They have several standout players such as Roman Josi and Matt Duchene, who have been performing consistently in recent games. In contrast, the Coyotes have relied heavily on the performance of Clayton Keller, with less consistent support from their other players.

Secondly, the Predators have a slightly better record this season, sitting in 10th place in the Western Conference compared to the Coyotes in 12th place. Additionally, the Predators have scored more goals per game on average compared to the Coyotes, who have one of the worst defensive records in the league.

Finally, the betting trends suggest that the Predators have struggled when playing on the road against the Coyotes, but they have also been in a high-scoring form in their recent games. This could indicate that the game may be a close one, but the Predators have a better chance of winning.

PICK: Predators -1.5 (+160) 

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