[8:00 PM] Hurricanes @ Predators

Who will WIN this matchup?

Carolina Hurricanes (2-4-3)

@ Nashville Predators (3-5-2)

 

Starting Goalies:

Cam Ward (CAR): Confirmed

Pekka Rinne (NSH): Likely

 

Current odds:

Carolina Hurricanes: (+149)

Nashville Predators: (-165)

 

• It has not been a smooth start to the season for the Nashville Predators and they will try to get on track with four straight on home ice, beginning with a visit from the equally struggling Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday. The Predators come home after a 1-2-2 road trip with just three wins in their first 10 games overall and 14 goals at even strength – near the bottom of the league.

• The Hurricanes have been just as disappointing as the Predators with two wins in nine games after a 2-1 overtime loss at Ottawa on Tuesday, but Carolina will play its eighth contest on the road Saturday. Jeff Skinner (11 points) and Victor Rask (10) are off to strong starts for the Hurricanes while they are looking for more from promising youngsters Sebastian Aho, Elias Lindholm and Teuvo Teravainen.

• While Lee Stempniak (six points) appears to be a solid free-agent signing, Carolina must add more consistent contributors along with fellow forwards Skinner and Rask to be a factor in the playoff race.

• The talented forward trio of James Neal (one), Filip Forsberg (zero) and Johansen (one) have combined for two goals in the early going while Craig Smith leads the team with five and Viktor Arvidsson owns four.

• The teams have played five consecutive one-goal games with the Predators taking the last three.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Nashville Predators

Confidence: 5/10

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