Zak Krill/NHLI via Getty Images
The Rundown:
The Vegas Golden Knights continue a six-game road trip Tuesday against the Nashville Predators (24-18-6) at Bridgestone Arena. The Golden Knights limp into the Music City on an 0-2-2 skid. The Predators enter tonight on a three-game win streak, and look to equal a season-high with a fourth straight victory. For both teams, a win tonight would be big for playoff implications, as they each need a win to stay in the mix.
The Matchup
The Golden Knights play their fourth game of a six-game road trip and are 2-6-2 in their past 10 games. Logan Thompson and Adin Hill have produced solid performances in net, posting above-average .913 and .907 save percentages, respectively. They’ve been helped out by a very good defense, limiting chances both at even strength and on the power play. Offensively, things have been a little more lackluster for the Knights. In their last seven appearances, Vegas has failed to score more than one goal in four of those games, while failing to score more than two goals in six of those seven games. The Predators have won three in a row heading into the break. Forward Filip Forsberg (19 goals, 22 assists) and defenseman Roman Josi (12 goals, 29 assists) lead the team with 41 points each. The last time these two teams met, Vegas won on New Year’s Eve at home with a score of 5-4 in overtime. Currently, Nashville sits fifth in the Central Division and three points behind the second wild card slot. That slot is currently held by Vegas, who was once the first seed in the Pacific Division. But since the New Year, they have fallen from grace.
Players To Watch
For the Golden Knights, Jack Eichel is the player to watch. Eichel needs to step up for Vegas at this critical time of the year. Eichel is currently the Golden Knights’ third-leading scorer with 34 points in 38 games. Despite this, Eichel has yet to notch a point in his last five games. Eichel getting on the scoresheet will help him. Having him return to form will be great for his confidence as well as for the team going into the playoffs.
For the Predators, Filip Forsberg is the player to watch. Forsberg is always a bright spot for Nashville and remains an important piece to their roster as their other franchise player next to Roman Josi. Forsberg’s nine career goals against the Golden Knights are tied for the fifth-most against the franchise in its history. He is currently on a four-game point streak vs. Vegas (eight goals), scoring at least two goals in three of those games.
Prediction: Predators 3, Golden Knights 1
Vegas’ lack of scoring may be their demise tonight. Nashville has been able to put up a minimum of two goals in the last six games. As long as they pick up the pace, they should take down the Knights.
Odds Presented By Betfred Sportsbook
Spread – Vegas Golden Knights +1.5 (-260) / Nashville Predators -1.5 (+205)
Moneyline – Vegas Golden Knights +100 / Nashville Predators -120
Total – 6.0 – Over (+105) / Under (-125)
Make sure you give Betfred Sportsbook a follow on Twitter (@BetfredSports) and download the Betfred Sportsbook App. Also make sure to follow at (@TWSN___) and the WrightBet at (@wrightbet513).
