Tennessee sports bettors should check out the upcoming NHL betting opportunity for a showdown between the Tampa Bay Lightning (12-10-5) and Nashville Predators (13-12-0) in Tennessee on Thursday, December 7 at 8:00 PM ET. ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook is showing the Predators as favorites at -130.

When: December 7, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET

Where: Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee

Watch: NHLPP|ESPN+

Tampa Bay Lightning Preview

The Lightning have gone 2-3 in their previous five matchups, winning by multiple goals in their last two two straight. Their previous success was a 3-1 performance against the Pittsburgh Penguins, with Nikita Kucherov adding a sensational goal to the mix.

Kucherov is an offensive machine and one of the best in the league right now. He leads the team with goals (17), assists (27), and points (44). On top of that, he ranks second in the league in goals and first for both points and assists.

The Lightning’s offense has saved them many times throughout the season. They average 3.33 goals a game, while taking 30.6 shots. They are also one of the more appealing teams in power plays, with a percentage at 31.9 and scoring a total of 29 goals in comparison to allowing 13.

Their defense will be tested, as they are giving up 3.48 goals on opponents 30.7 shots a game. This could hurt their chances at winning if the Predators come out strong with offense. However, their penalty kill percentage (83.8) is a bit higher than the Predators, which should make a difference in those situations.

Nashville Predators Preview

The Predators have gone 3-2 in their last five matchups, while winning their last two. Their most recent win was a 4-3 shootout over the Chicago Blackhawks. This also marked their third game in a row that was decided by one goal, so at least they are keeping games close.

Filip Forsberg is still their centerpiece for everything offensive. He leads the team in goals (13), points (29), and assists (16). However, can he match Kucherov in offensive production?

The Predators have consistently scored 3.16 goals a game while taking 31.1 shots. They have not been the most appealing in power play opportunities, as they have scored 19 goals but have given up 20. Their power play percentage is at 19.8, so a tad lower than the Lightning.

They are keeping their opponents close defensively in allowing them to average 3.20 goals on 30.2 shots a game. However, their penalty kill percentage (73.7) could make a difference down the stretch and hurt them negatively.

Betting Odds

Plenty of excellent NHL betting opportunities are available with ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook. These two competed in the opener of their season, with the Lightning being victorious 5-3. The odds show that this game should be a close matchup.

Tampa Bay Lightning: +110

Puck Line: +1.5 (-230)

Nashville Predators: -130

Puck Line: -1.5 (+190)

Totals: Over 6.5 (-105), Under 6.5 (-115)

Photo Credit: © Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports