Coming up on Thursday, January 4, Tennessee sports bettors can check out the third encounter between the Calgary Flames (16-16-5) and Nashville Predators (21-16-1) at 8:00 PM ET at Bridgestone Arena. ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook has the Predators as slight favorites to win straight up with a moneyline at -123.

When: January 4, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET

Where: Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee

Watch: NHLPP|ESPN+

Calgary Flames Preview

The Flames have won two consecutive games, which ended a two/game losing streak, heading into this matchup. In their previous success, they were able to take care of the Minnesota Wild 3-1, where they started off hot with two goals unanswered in the first period.

Their offense has been largely dictated by Blake Coleman and his ability to lead them in both points (27) and goals (14). With the addition of Nazem Kadri, who leads with a total of 16 assists, they are a tough group to contend with if these two are able to find scoring opportunities early.

The Flames are nearing 3.00 goals a game and are taking about 32.0 shots to get there. If this battle were to have a handful of power play opportunities, they would be at a disadvantage since they have scored 14 goals total and have allowed 18. As a result, their power play percentage comes in at a whopping 12.0.

Defensively, they are allowing teams to hang around with 3.16 goals and about 30.0 shots each performance. This is a slightly negative differential compared to their offense and could make the biggest impact. However, they do have a stronger penalty kill percentage than the Predators at 84.6, which could also influence the game in their favor.

Nashville Predators Preview

The Predators are also coming off a two-game win streak, starting the new year off on the right foot. In their latest win, they shut out the Chicago Blackhawks 3-0 and took an aggressive 36 shots.

Filip Forsberg remains the core of their offense. He has improved his stats each game, as he currently has 42 points, 18 goals, and 24 assists, all of which are much better than whatever the Flames have on their roster.

The Predators are scoring just a hair over the Flames’ average at 3.08 goals a game and are firing off about 31.0 shots. Their power play opportunities have not been the best, but they are much more appealing compared to the Flames. They have scored 29 goals and have allowed 28, with a power play percentage at 21.6.

On the defensive end, the Predators are allowing teams to score 3.05 goals a game and offer no breathing room compared to their offense. Their penalty kill percentage hovers near 77.4, which is close to what the Flames have.

Betting Odds

ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook showcases exciting NHL betting odds at your disposal. Based on recent matchups, the Predators appear to be the team to beat as favorites here.

Calgary Flames: +105

Puck Line: +1.5 (-232)

Nashville Predators: -123

Puck Line: -1.5 (+194)

Totals: Over 6.0 (-113), Under 6.0 (-104)