Edmonton Oilers vs Nashville Predators: Predators Look to End Losing Streak at Home

• The Edmonton Oilers have won three of their last five games.

• The Nashville Predators are on a three-game losing streak.

• The Oilers beat the Predators 7-4 when they first faced each other this season.

Edmonton Oilers vs Nashville Predators Odds

Odds Taken from FanDuel Sportsbook.

Colorado Avalanche vs Nashville Predators Predictions and Picks

• Colorado Avalanche beat Nashville Predators 4-3

• Nashville Predators cover

• Over 6.5 goals

Head-to-Head: Edmonton Oilers vs Nashville Predators

Edmonton Oilers vs Nashville Predators Predictions and Picks

The Edmonton Oilers will travel south of the Canadian border to face the Nashville Predators. The Oilers are sitting in the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference with 32 points. A win today would push them closer to the third spot in the Pacific Division, and a loss could drop them to the second Wild Card spot. Conversely, the Predators are outside of the Playoff picture by four points. Nashville could use this win much more than Edmonton.

The Oilers have one of the best offenses in the league and a mediocre defense. Offensively, they possess some of the best weapons in the league, but they could use better defensemen. Edmonton also has a mediocre goaltending duo and could use a serious upgrade.

The Oilers have a top-ten offense in the league that is run by the center trio of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. McDavid and Draisaitl are better than Nugent-Hopkins, but Nugent-Hopkins can still hold his own. McDavid leads the NHL with 55 points (25 goals, 30 assists) and plays well over 22 minutes a game. He is regarded as the best player in the league by many experts. Draisaitl is not the top player in the NHL but a top-ten player. His 46 points (19 goals, 27 assists) are the second-most in the NHL. Nugent-Hopkins does not measure up to McDavid and Draisaitl but is still dangerous. He plays almost 20 minutes a game and has 33 points (14 goals, 19 assists).

Stuart Skinner is the #1 goaltender in Edmonton, but Jack Campell will likely get the start today since Skinner played last night. Campbell was the starter at the beginning of the season but has been underperforming and allowing over four goals a game. Campbell must exceed expectations in net today.

The Predators have one of the worst offenses in the league but one of the best defenses. They lack offensive depth but sometimes make up for it with defense. 

The Predators lack a strong offense but have some solid players in Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi, and Matt Duchene. Forsberg leads the Predators in points (23) and is tied for the team lead in assists (15); he is Nashville’s biggest offensive threat. Josi is a defenseman but has 21 points (six goals, 15 assists). He also leads the team in TOI (25:28). Matt Duchene is a veteran center and a reliable player. He has 21 points and plays over 18 minutes a game.

Juuse Saros is the Predators’ primary goaltender. However, he is underperforming this season. Saros has a .908 save percentage and allows almost three goals. His #1 spot on the Predators appears to be safe, but the Predators may want to trade for a better goalie if they want to make a run.

The Oilers are playing stronger hockey right now and have an electric offense, so they will win this road matchup.

Why Might the Edmonton Oilers Win?

The Oilers will win this game if they shoot 35+ times and pass the puck.

Edmonton has an excellent offense but can aways improve it by shooting more. The Oilers average 3.64 goals per game on 32 shots. If they increase their shot output to 35 shots.

The Oilers are a solid passing team. They average over 1.75 assists to one goal this season and are always looking for the best person to take the shot. Edmonton needs to continue doing so tonight.

Why Might the Nashville Predators Win?

The Nashville Predators will win if they slow down Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl and score a power play goal.

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have combined for 101 points this season. They are the best center duo in the league and elite hockey players. The Predators must figure out a way to slow both of them down. This is an incredibly difficult task but one that must be done.

The Predators have the fourth-worst power play unit in the league and convert on only 15.96% of their opportunities. Nashville must draw a lot of penalties today and score at least one power play goal.

Oilers Key Players: (C) Connor McDavid

This is not a surprising choice. Connor McDavid is the best player in the NHL and a threat with the puck. He can score from anywhere and always sets up his teammates when he does not have a good shot.

McDavid will be responsible for much of the Oilers’ offense tonight. He needs to continue performing at an elite level.

Predators Key Player: (C) Mikael Granlund

Mikael Granlund is a talented hockey player but having a troubling season. Granlund has four goals and 14 assists but also has a +/- of -11 (the worst on the team). The center is heavily depended upon but not performing at the necessary level. Granlund needs to finish this game with a positive +/-.

How to Watch Edmonton Oilers vs Nashville Predators

• What - Edmonton Oilers vs Nashville Predators

• Where - Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee

• When - Tuesday, Tuesday 13, 2:00 PM EST

• How to Watch - NHLPP, ESPN+