In this article we will formulate a Penguins vs Predators prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, February 1st at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup. 

Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Penguins are 21-24-8 this year after they defeated Utah in overtime by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Pittsburgh trailed 2-1 in the third period, but they were able to tie the game and ended up winning in overtime. The Penguins recorded 29 shots on goal, won 56.7% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Pittsburgh got goals from Crosby, Karlsson, and Pettersson, while Nedeljkovic stopped 27 out of 29 shots in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Penguins lost to the Sharks by a score of 2-1 and the Kraken by a score of 4-1. Pittsburgh has lost three of their last four games and they are currently last in the Metro standings with 50 points. Pittsburgh has scored 2.89 goals per game and they have allowed 3.57 goals against per game, while also going 26% on the power play and 78.8% on the penalty kill this season. Sidney Crosby has led Pittsburgh with 16 goals, 39 assists, and 148 shots on goal, while Rickard Rakell has added 23 goals, 20 assists, and 131 shots on goal. Alex Nedeljkovic is 10-9-4 with a 3.15 goals against average and an .896 save percentage this season. 

Nashville Predators Betting Preview

The Nashville Predators are 18-25-7 this season after they lost to Buffalo by a score of 4-3 in their last game. Nashville led 3-2 in the second period, but they allowed the last two goals in the game for the loss. The Predators out shot Buffalo by a total of 31-27, won 64.2% of the face-offs, and went 0-4 on the power play in the game. Nashville got goals from Evangelista, Novak, and Skjei, while Annunen stopped 23 out of 27 shots in the game.

Prior to that loss, the Predators lost to the Canucks by a score of 3-1 and the Ducks by a score of 5-2. Nashville has lost three games in a row and they are currently second to last in the Central standings with 43 points. Nashville has scored 2.65 goals per game and they have allowed 3.20 goals against per game, while also going 21.7% on the power play and 81.6% on the penalty kill this season. Filip Forsberg has led Nashville with 18 goals, 31 assists, and 183 shots on goal, while Jonathan Marchessault has added 15 goals, 23 assists, and 153 shots on goal. Juuse Saros is 11-20-6 with a 2.86 goals against average and a .900 save percentage this year. 

Why the Predators will beat the Penguins

• The Penguins have lost each of their last four games as favorites.
• The underdogs have won four of the Penguins’ last five games.
• The Penguins have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five home games against Central Division opponents.
• The underdogs have covered the puck line in each of the Predators’ last four games.
• The Penguins have lost the first period in each of their last six games against Central Division opponents.

Total Goals Facts

• Each of the Penguins’ last four games at PPG Paints Arena following a road win have gone OVER the total goals line.
• Each of the Predators’ last four road games have gone OVER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Predators’ last six games.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Penguins’ last eight games as favorites.

Pittsburgh Penguins Player Prop Facts

• Sidney Crosby has recorded at least one point in each of the Penguins’ last eight games as favorites against Central Division opponents.
• Erik Karlsson has recorded at least one assist in eight of the Penguins’ last nine games as home favorites.
• Sidney Crosby has scored at least one goal in six of the Penguins’ last seven games as favorites against Central Division opponents.

Nashville Predators Player Prop Facts

• Jonathan Marchessault has recorded at least one point in eight of the Predators’ last nine games as underdogs.
• Jonathan Marchessault has recorded an assist in each of the Predators’ last three games as underdogs.
• Tommy Novak has scored a goal in four of the Predators’ last five games.

Penguins vs Predators Prediction 

Pittsburgh comes into this matchup after snapping their losing streak in their last game and they will be at home for this contest. The Penguins are 12-10-3 at home this year, while the Predators have been awful on the road. Nashville has played slightly better over the last few weeks, but they did play Buffalo on Friday, so they will be on a back to back here. Both of these teams are struggling to score goals this season, but Pittsburgh has scored two regulation goals or fewer in eight of their last ten games. Take the Predators to get the road win here.