NHL bettors in Tennessee should look into a particular matchup, as the Edmonton Oilers (0-2-0) will aim for their inaugural season win on the road against the Nashville Predators (1-2-0) in Nashville, Tennessee. Given the recent losses of both teams, this presents an enticing betting prospect.

When: October 17, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET

Where: Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee

Watch: NHLPP/ESPN+

Edmonton Oilers Preview

The Oilers had back-to-back defeats against the Vancouver Canucks to start their season. Their most recent defeat was a 4-3 performance, as they failed to produce any offense in the third period.

In the previous season, they performed admirably with an impressive 50-23-9 record, earning a spot in the playoffs. This unfavorable start has relegated them to the eighth position in the Pacific Division and their inability to secure a victory so far does not bode well for their prospects of moving up in the division.

Looking at their defensive efforts, their matchups have been lackluster. They have been scoring an average of only 2.0 goals per game while conceding a troubling 6.0. This must be a priority heading into this game, as they cannot continue to allow this negative separation.

On a positive note, they are averaging 33.5 shots per game. They are getting plenty of attempts, but have failed to connect on many.

On the other side, they have been permitting 24.0 shots. To improve their chances at their first win, they will need to either increase their shot accuracy or improve their defense altogether.

The Oilers won 43 out of 74 games last season when they were considered the favorites to succeed. This could be their chance to land their first win, assuming they have similar magic to last year.

Nashville Predators Preview

The Predators experienced a narrow 3-2 loss to the Boston Bruins and are now in need of a rebound. This makes their second defeat on the road, so they are relieved to be back at home. Their efforts so far have moved them to the seventh position in the Central Division and they aspire to surpass their fifth-place finish from the previous year.

Regarding their scoring efforts, it is not due to a lack of attempts. They average 33.7 shots per game and concede 29.3. On top of that, they average 2.67 goals per game while conceding the same amount. 

While these differences are not that far apart, they have at least kept games respectively close. Once they become more accurate with their shots, they could be a deadly team on offense.

The Predators were successful in 46.8 percent of their matchups last season when they were cast as the underdogs. This could also tip in their favor once again being at home.

Betting Odds

ZenSports offers comprehensive NHL betting options for the best NHL bets. In this scenario, it is a closely contested matchup with the Edmonton Oilers holding a slight edge as the favorites on the road.

Nashville Predators: +120

Puck Line: +1.5 (-200)

Edmonton Oilers: -140

Puck Line: -1.5 (+170)

Totals: Over 6.5 (-120), Under 6.5 (+100)

Photo Credit: © Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports