The Central Division is currently led by the Dallas Stars (33-14-6) and they will take on the fifth-place Nashville Predators (27-24-2) on Thursday, February 15 at 8:00 PM ET for an excellent NHL showdown. ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook has the Stars currently favored to win with a moneyline at -144.

When: February 15, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET

Where: Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee

Watch: Hulu|ESPN+

Dallas Stars Preview

The Stars have won their last two consecutive games and are 4-1 in their last five matchups. Despite losing to the Predators twice this season, they have great momentum here. Their previous success was a 4-2 outing over the Carolina Hurricanes.

Jason Robertson leads the Stars with 54 points and 46 assists. Roope Hintz takes over the scoring load with 23 goals so far. Together, they have a great offensive system.

The Stars maintain an average of 3.66 goals and 30.8 shots per game, with a commendable power play percentage of 21.6. Their offensive performance, scoring 33 goals while allowing 30, is slightly more attractive than the Predators’ display in those situations.

On the defensive end, they concede an average of 3.02 goals and face 30.3 shots per game, maintaining a slight margin of victory compared to their offense. Additionally, they exhibit defensive strength with an 81.6 penalty kill percentage.

Nashville Predators Preview

The Predators need to break out of their slump at home, as they have gone 1-4 over their last five games. Their most recent battle was a 4-2 defeat against the New Jersey Devils, where the Predators allowed three goals unanswered in the third period.

Filip Forsberg spearheads the team’s attack with 53 points and 25 goals, complemented by Roman Josi contributing 38 assists to elevate their puck movement. The team’s success relies heavily on the stellar performances of these two players; otherwise, their offense may lack its usual dynamism.

The Predators typically score an average of 2.98 goals and make 31.0 shot attempts per game. Despite their strong offensive performance, their power play falls short, with a 19.5 power play percentage and 36 goals scored against 40 allowed.

On the defensive end, they permit opponents to score an average of 3.17 goals and take 30.3 shots per game. This leads to a slightly negative margin compared to their offensive stats and not something they need to bring into this matchup. Furthermore, their penalty kill percentage of 76.3 is slightly lower than the Stars and might have a negative impact.

Betting Odds

ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook showcases the best NHL betting odds for Tennessee sports bettors. The Dallas Stars are current favorites to succeed on the road. The Stars are 16-6-4 on the road, while the Predators are a coin flip (14-14-0) at home.

Nashville Predators: +118

Puck Line: +1.5 (-204)

Dallas Stars: -144

Puck Line: -1.5 (+165)

Totals: Over 6.5 (-123), Under 6.5 (+101)

Photo Credit: © Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports