Chicago Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators Betting Preview 10/29/19

Posts AdminArticles, Hockey, NHL

Bridgestone Arena will be the site for an intriguing matchup as the Chicago Blackhawks pay a visit to Tennessee to meet the Nashville Predators. The opening face-off takes place at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, October 29, and fans at home can witness this divisional matchup live on NBC Sports Chicago.

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators Odds

Moneyline and Over/Under (O/U) odds have not yet been posted for this matchup.

Earning moneyline bettors 0.5 units, the Predators are 7-4 straight up (SU) overall in the 2019-20 season. That winning percentage, ranked 2nd in the Central Division in this young season, is right in line with the 47-35 record the team produced during the 2018-19 season campaign. Of its 11 games this season, eight have gone over the total, while three have gone under and none have pushed. Thus far, the team is 5-2 SU at home.

Nashville’s converted on 22.0 percent of its power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is rated 26th overall, and it’s successfully killed off 71.4 percent of all penalties.

Nashville, as a collective unit, has been whistled for penalties 3.5 times per game this season, a number that is pretty close to last year’s 3.7 penalties per game the team gave up. After serving an average of 8.3 penalty minutes per game a year ago, the team’s had to kill penalties for 7.9 minutes per outing this season.

Boasting a .931 save percentage and 27.0 saves per game, Pekka Rinne (6-1-1) has been the primary goalkeeper for the Predators this season. If they decide to rest him, however, Nashville could turn to Juuse Saros (1-3-3 record, .872 save percentage, 3.99 goals against average).

The Preds will continue to lean on the leadership from Roman Josi and Ryan Ellis. Josi (13 points) has tallied five goals and eight assists and has recorded multiple points in two different games this year. Ellis has two goals and 11 assists to his name and has recorded a point in seven contests.

Chicago has lost 4.5 units for bettors taking the moneyline this year and is currently 3-7 straight up (SU). Through 10 regular season outings, six of its games have gone under the total, while three have gone over and just one has pushed. As the away team, Chicago is 0-2 SU so far.

Chicago has converted on just 9.7 percent of its power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s ranked 28th in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 25th overall and it’s successfully killed off 73.3 percent of all opponent power plays.

Chicago’s skaters have been penalized only 3.2 times per game this season. Last year, that number was at 3.1, which was the third-lowest mark in the league. After serving an average of 7.3 penalty minutes per game a year ago, the team has had to stave off opponent power plays for 6.6 minutes per matchup this season.

Robin Lehner (31.4 saves per game) has been the primary option in the net for Chicago. Lehner owns a 2-3-2 record, and has registered a .935 save percentage and 2.15 goals against average this year.

For the visiting Blackhawks, the offense will be facilitated by Patrick Kane (three goals, six assists) and Dylan Strome (three goals, four assists).

Chicago Blackhawks at Nashville Predators Free Picks

Free Pick: SU Winner – Predators, O/U – Over

Betting Trends

  • The under has hit in three of Nashville’s last five outings.
  • Nashville has allowed 3.1 goals per game overall this season, but has allowed just 1.0 per contest across its three-game win streak.
  • Chicago skaters recorded 16.5 hits per game last season, while the Preds accounted for 18.7 hits per matchup.