The Predators’ 57.99 xGF% over their 8-1-1 stretch is a further comment about where this team’s game is at right now.
Their game looks very sharp, doing a great job of bending but not breaking in the defensive zone, knowing that Saros will make all of the should-be saves on the perimeter and semi-pressured shots against, and have done well generating at surprisingly strong rates at the other end.
Barring some notable upticks from some of the Kings’ young forwards, the Predators simply hold much more talent up front right now, and behind that could arguably still hold edges with regards to goaltending and defensive play.
Opening a little closer than I expected at -130 on DraftKings, I think we have some value backing the Preds in a spot that I just don’t have as close to the number. I would play Nashville down to -145.
Pick: Nashville Predators -130 (Play to -145)