Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. Today we are looking at the game between the New York Rangers vs. Nashville Predators. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
New York Rangers vs. Nashville Predators
Time: 8:00 p.m Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: FDSNSO, MSG
Before the season started very few, if any would have thought the teams in tonights matchup would be struggling so mightily. As the New York Rangers (15-14-1) face-off against the Nashville Predators (8-17-6) many will be watching to see if either team can put a halt to their losing ways. For at least one night, one team will be able to celebrate a victory.
Rangers Are a Soap Opera
The Rangers have traded their former captain, they have scratched their former second overall pick. They have sent a memo to other General Managers saying multiple other players are available in trade. None of it has sparked New York on the ice. They are 3-7-0 in their last ten, and have lost two straight. They are a far cry from the President Trophy winning, Eastern Conference finalist of a year ago. It has turned into a bad broadway show in a hurry and no one in the organization seems to have any answers.
Maybe a game against the cellar dwelling Predators is coming at the perfect time. Somehow with all of the outside noise and losing the Rangers are right in the middle of the wildcard battle in the Eastern Conference. If they get a win tonight it would go a long way towards cooling the temperature around the team. Getting Artemi Panarin who is listed as day to day after missing the Rangers last game against the St. Louis Blues would certainly help. If not other struggling veterans like Chris Kreider, and Mika Zibanejad will need to step up.
Predators Playing For Pride
Nobody in Nashville expected the Predators to be where they are this far into the season after bringing in so many players in free agency. Unfortunately, winning the offseason hasn’t parlayed into many wins on the ice. The Predators are currently at the bottom of the league standings, and are the only team without ten wins on the season. They have only won once in their last ten going 1-6-3. To make matters worse, their Norris Trophy winning defenceman and captain Roman Josi hasn’t played in their last two games. It is to be determined if he will suit up tonight.
The good news for Nashville is they are facing a team tonight facing just as much controversy as they begin a four game homestand before the Christmas break. With the playoffs feeling like a long shot at best getting a win tonight, and stringing some wins together might bring some Christmas cheer to Nashville during the holiday season. To do so they will need to give goalie Juuse Saros some goal support. While his numbers aren’t quite at his career norms he has still been the Predators best player.
Prediction
The good news for these two teams tonight is someone has to win. The bad news is losing could cost someone their job. The likely matchup in the crease will be a good one between Igor Shesterkin and Saros. However, how their teams play in front of them will be of greater interest. Interestingly for two struggling teams they are both top of the league on the penalty kill. The Rangers have a power play advantage so scoring a goal up a man could go a long way. On the Nashville side of things the big question is can they score enough to win? They are currently last in the league in goals for. Against a team who has lost four of their last five maybe tonight is the night for a breakout.
Prediction: Predators win 4-3
Prop Bets of The Night
Filip Chytil centred the top line for the Rangers in their last game. He has also scored four goals in nine games against Nashville. He is +330 as an anytime goal scorer tonight. For the Predators, Steven Stamkos has 19 goals in his career, and six goals in his last ten against the Rangers. He is +210 to score.
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Main Photo: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
The post NHL Predictions: Dec.17 New York Rangers vs. Nashville Predators appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.