Free NHL Picks Today: Nashville Predators vs Pittsburgh Penguins 2/28/23

The Pittsburgh Penguins (29-21-9) travel to take on the Nashville Predators (29-22-6), who will be looking to build on their winning streak, at Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday. Pittsburgh is coming off a high-scoring 7-3 win over the Lightning on Sunday.

The Penguins took advantage of their limited power play opportunities, scoring once on two shots, while also conceding a power play goal. Seven players found the net for the Penguins. Casey DeSmith saved only 26 of 29 shots (.896%) in the win.

Nashville won for the third game in a row, beating the Coyotes 6-2 on Sunday. Roman Josi was the leading goal scorer for the Predators, netting twice. Juuse Saros saved 25 of 27 shots in the win (.925%).

HEAD TO HEAD

The teams split their two meetings last season, the last of which was a 3-2 (OT) victory for the Penguins in April. Sidney Crosby (2G 1A) and Rickard Rakell (0G 3A) each had three points to lead Pittsburgh. Nick Cousins and Matt Duchene were on the scoresheet for Nashville. DeSmith got the win, saving 33 of 35 shots (.942%).

FACING OFF

Pittsburgh is averaging 3.24 goals per game for the season, 13th in the NHL, and they are taking on a Predators team that is allowing 2.98 goals a game (13th).

Meanwhile, Nashville has found the net 2.91 times a game on average, 24th in the league, and the Penguins are allowing opponents to score 3.20 goals per game (19th).

Pittsburgh averages more shots/game (33.7) than most teams in the league, ranking fifth. Nashville’s average of 30.7 attempts ranks 20th.

The Penguins’ 21.67% power play percentage ranks 13th in the league, while the Predators are 26th with a conversion rate of 18.58%. In terms of penalty killing, Nashville has the league’s 14th-ranked PK% at 80.71%, while Pittsburgh is 15th at 79.89%.

TOP PERFORMERS:

With 71 points this season, Crosby is the top skater for the Penguins. He has 26 goals and 45 assists in 59 games. In the net, Tristan Jarry (17-7-5) is Pittsburgh’s top goaltender by goals against average. He has a 2.79 GAA and a .917% save percentage.

Josi leads the Predators in scoring with 54 points. He has 17 goals and 37 assists. Saros (22-16-5) is the top goalie for Nashville with a goals against average of 2.82. He has a save percentage of .916%.