Predators vs Penguins NHL Prediction, Pick and Preview, February 28, 2023

Odds

2021-2022 season stats

Preview

On February 28, 2023, the Pittsburgh will visit the Nashville Predators in what promises to be an exciting matchup. The game is set to take place at Scotiabank Saddledome at 8 p.m. EST. 

Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators are in the midst of a challenging stretch, having won 4 of their last 7 games. They looked good in their last 3 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.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh have had a challenging season so far, with a record of 29-21-9. They have struggled defensively, giving up an average of 3.15 goals per game. However, they have a talented group of forwards, including Evgeni Malkin, who has scored 17 goals this season. The Pittsburgh will need to tighten up their defense if they want to make a push for the playoffs.

In their last game against the Tampa Bay Lightining, the Pittsburgh looked great offensively, scoring 7 goals on 36 shots. They will try to keep the momentum on offense to win against the Islanders. Defensively, the Pittsburgh will need to play better, as they have given up 3 or more goals per game.

The Pittsburgh' goaltender, Dustin Tokarski, saved 38 of the 42 shots that he faced in his last game. However, Tristan Jarry (Upper Body), Mark Friedman (Upper Body), and Ryan Poehling (Upper Body) are questionable for this game, which could impact the team's performance.

In their last 10 games, the Pittsburgh have recorded a record of 4 wins and 6 losses, which is below their usual high standards.

Offensively, the Pittsburgh have struggled to find the back of the net consistently, averaging just 2.8 goals per game. This is significantly lower than their usual production, and it is clear that they are missing some key players or are experiencing a rough patch. The Pittsburgh have also struggled in the assist department, averaging only five per game, which indicates a lack of creativity and teamwork on the offensive end.

Penalties have also been an issue for the Pittsburgh, averaging four per game and racking up 10.9 penalty minutes. This is concerning because it puts them at a disadvantage and can potentially cost them games in critical situations.

Defensively, the Pittsburgh have been giving up an average of 3.7 goals per game, which is a significant concern. It is difficult to win games when you are constantly playing catch-up and relying on your offense to outscore your opponents.

BETTING TRENDS

The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games.

Pittsburgh are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games.

Pittsburgh are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games against Nashville.

Pittsburgh are 4-10 SU in their last 14 games on the road.

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing on the road against Nashville.

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

Nashville are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.

The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Nashville's last 9 games against Pittsburgh.

Nashville are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games at home.

Prediction

Both the Nashville Predators and the Pittsburgh Penguins have shown their offensive firepower in recent games, indicating that they are both capable of putting up big numbers on the scoreboard. With the Predators scoring at least 5 goals per game in their last 3 games and the Penguins scoring 7 goals in their last game, it's clear that both teams are hot offensively.

However, the defensive struggles of both teams cannot be ignored. The Predators have struggled to consistently score this season, ranking 26th in the league in goals per game. This lack of scoring has put pressure on their defense and goaltending, which has been inconsistent in recent games. Meanwhile, the Penguins have given up an average of 3.15 goals per game this season, which is a significant concern.

Despite these defensive struggles, the recent trends of both teams suggest a high-scoring game is likely. The total has gone over in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games, and in all of Nashville's last 5 games, indicating that both teams are capable of scoring plenty of goals.

We can expect a thrilling game with plenty of offensive action from both sides. It's likely that both teams will be able to score multiple goals, making this game a potential shootout. Based on the recent performances and stats of both teams, the over is a solid bet for this game.

PICK: Over 6.5 (-110)

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