The Pittsburgh Penguins (14-14-5) travel to face off against the Nashville Predators (9-17-6) on Thursday, December 19th. This game will be played at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville and televised on ESPN+. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Puck drop is set for 8:00 ET.

Penguins vs Predators

The Pittsburgh Penguins Are Coming Off A Win

With a 3-1 win over the Canadiens, the Penguins evened their record at 14-14-5. Pittsburgh, favored by -1.5 goals, covered the puck line, and the total of 4 goals fell short of the 6.5 set before the game.

Sidney Crosby scored twice, and Blake Lizotte added an empty-net goal to secure the victory. The Penguins kept the Canadiens scoreless until the third period.

The Nashville Predators Are Coming Off A Win

Nashville improved to 9-17-6 with a 5-2 win over the Avalanche. The Predators were favored on the puck line and covered the -1.5 goal spread. The total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, and the combined 7 goals went over that mark.

All five of Nashville’s goals came from different players. They fell behind 1-0 in the second period before Steven Stamkos tied it up at 11:29. The Predators then scored five unanswered goals to secure the victory.

Pittsburgh Offense Breakdown

Sidney Crosby led the way for the Penguins with two goals, including his fifth of the season on a power play at 1:20 in the second period. Blake Lizotte added an empty-netter, his second goal of the year.

Pittsburgh took 24 shots on goal and had 14 giveaways. They scored their first goal at 4:03 in the first period and added another at 19:15 in the third period.

Predators Offense Breakdown

Nashville’s offense netted 5 goals in their 5-2 win over Colorado, with two coming on empty nets. They were held scoreless in the first period before Steven Stamkos’ 2nd goal of the season, which came on a power play. Colton Sissons followed with his 1st goal of the year.

Roman Josi added his 1st goal, also on a power play, while Filip Forsberg scored his 7th on an empty net. Gustav Nyquist closed the scoring with his 4th goal, also on an empty net. The Predators took 25 shots on goal and recorded 15 giveaways.

Pittsburgh Team Defense

On the defensive side, the Penguins will look to build on their previous performance, where they allowed just one goal to the Canadiens. Alex Nedeljkovic recorded 25 saves with a 96.2% save percentage, and the defense added 5 takeaways and 19 hits.

Nashville Team Defense

Defensively, the Predators will look to carry over their performance from their previous game, where they allowed just two goals. Juuse Saros made 29 saves, posting a 93.5% save percentage. Nashville’s defense also contributed 4 takeaways, 23 hits, and 25 blocks. The Predators will aim to tighten up late in the game, as they allowed the Avalanche to score first and gave up another goal at the 17:43 mark of the 3rd period.

Penguins vs Predators Trends

• In their last five road games, Pittsburgh has averaged 3 goals per game while allowing 3. The team’s record in this stretch was 2-3 while going 3-2.
• Through their last five home contests, the Predators offense has averaged 2 goals per game while allowing an average of 2. Nashville posted an overall record of 2-3 while going 2-3 ATS.
• In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Predators have a straight up record of 1-2 and an puck line mark of 1-2.
• Through their previous five contests as the betting favorite, the Penguins have a strong record of 3-2. Their record vs the puck line in these matchups is 2-3.

Penguins vs Predators Prediction

For a moneyline bet, I’m backing the Predators to secure a victory over the Penguins at home. With the moneyline currently set at -142, I’m locking in my bet on the Predators straight-up.

When making a puck line pick, we’re backing the Predators to win and cover. Watch for the Predators to win this game by multiple goals over the Penguins.

For those looking at the over/under line set at 6 goals, our expectation is that this game will surpass that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the over.

---

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

---

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.