The Nashville Predators (45-29-5) seek to find success on the road against Central Division rival Chicago Blackhawks (23-50-5) on Friday, April 12 at 8:30 PM ET. ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook showcases the Predators as favorites with a puck line at -1.5 (-103).

When: April 12, 2023 at 8:30 PM ET

Where: United Center in Chicago, Illinois

Watch: NHLPP|ESPN+

Nashville Predators Preview

The Predators are 2-3 in their last five games and have recently punched their ticket to the playoffs after missing out last year. Their most recent battle was a 4-3 overtime defeat to the Winnipeg Jets.

Now that they have earned a spot in the playoffs, this is the time to make any final adjustments. This is also perfect for gaining momentum heading into the postseason. Filip Forsberg will likely polish his scoring, as he leads them with 43 goals so far.

The Predators are averaging 3.20 goals and allowing 3.03 from opponents. The shot differential stands at 32.1 taken and 30.5 from opponents, which shows they are only slightly more aggressive than their counterparts.

Their power plays have been decent, as they have scored 53 goals and given up 55 in return. This points to a power play percentage at 20.2, which gives them a slight edge over the Blackhawks.

Chicago Blackhawks Preview

The Blackhawks have lost their last two games and are 2-3 over their previous five. Their latest defeat was on the road with a 5-2 showing against the St. Louis Blues, but marked the second game in a row by allowing at least four goals.

They have been out of playoff contention for a while now, so this game does not mean as much to them other than trying to avoid a season sweep. The Predators are 23-13-3 on the road, while the Blackhawks have struggled at home with a 16-19-4 record. Connor Bedard will need to be outstanding, as he leads them with 59 points, 22 goals, and 37 assists.

The Blackhawks are averaging 2.18 goals and allowing 3.49 each game. Their shot differential shows they take 26.6 but allow opposing teams to fire off 32.5, which is not a good sign for their offense.

Power plays have been unappealing, as they have scored 37 goals and given up 49 in return. This puts their power play percentage at 16.4. However, their penalty kill percentage is slightly higher than the Predators’ at 77.7 compared to 76.9.

Betting Odds

ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook provides bettors with exclusive NHL betting options. The Nashville Predators are currently favored to win and have appealing stats to show they are in a good position. In three meetings so far this season, the Predators have won them all with an average score of 3.66 to 1.66.

Chicago Blackhawks: +195

Puck Line: +1.5 (-123)

Nashville Predators: -260

Puck Line: -1.5 (-103)

Total Goals: Over 6.0 (-104), Under 6.0 (-122)

Photo Credit: © Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports