The Florida Panthers (30-26-6) welcome the Nashville Predators (29-23-6) at FLA Live Arena on Thursday. Nashville is embarking on a six-game road trip coming off a 3-1 loss against the Penguins on Tuesday, ending a three-game winning streak.
Mark Jankowski scored the lone goal for the Predators. Juuse Saros saved an impressive 31 of 33 shots (.939%) in the loss. Florida is returning home for a seven-game homestand after a 4-1 win over the Lightning on Tuesday.
Four players found the net for the Panthers. Eetu Luostarinen and Eric Staal both scored and provided an assist to lead the team in scoring. Sergei Bobrovsky was impressive in the win, making 28 saves (.965%).
HEAD TO HEAD
The Predators won the first meeting between the teams this season, a 7-3 victory in February. Roman Josi (1G 2A) and Ryan McDonagh (0G 3A) each had three points to lead Nashville. Brandon Montour led Florida with two points (0G 2A). Kevin Lankinen got the win, saving 30 of 33 shots (.909%).
FACING OFF
Nashville is averaging 2.88 goals per game for the season, 24th in the NHL, and they are taking on a Panthers team that is allowing 3.44 goals a game (23rd).
Meanwhile, Florida has found the net 3.42 times a game on average, eighth in the league, and the Predators are allowing opponents to score 2.98 goals per game (13th).
Florida averages more shots a game (36.4) than any other team in the league, though the team’s 9.5% shooting percentage ranks 25th. With an average of 30.6 attempts, Nashville ranks 20th.
Look for multiple power play opportunities for the Predators, as the Panthers have been penalized 4.79 times a game, most in the NHL, for an average of 11.95 minutes (third-highest). The visitors are averaging 4.19 penalties (10th) and 10.24 penalty minutes a game (9th).
The Panthers’ 20.95% power play percentage ranks 16th in the league, while the Predators are 26th with a conversion rate of 18.38%. In terms of penalty killing, Nashville has the league’s 14th-ranked PK% at 81.00%, while Florida is 27th at 74.22%.
TOP PERFORMERS:
With 54 points this season, Josi is the top skater for the Predators. He has 17 goals and 37 assists in 58 games. In the net, Saros (23-16-5) is Nashville’s top goaltender. He has a 2.80 GAA and a .916% save percentage.
Matthew Tkachuk leads the Panthers in scoring with 79 points (6th in the league). He has 28 goals and 51 assists (7th). Bobrovsky (17-16-2) has the best goals against average for Florida at 3.12. He has a save percentage of .902%.
HOME AND AWAY
Nashville is 13-12-3 away from home this season. Florida is 16-9-3 at FLA Live Arena this season.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
Florida Panthers (-210)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
