USA: NHL
Nashville Predators
The start for the Predators wasn’t bright, but recently, their form has been improving. Their current statistics are as follows:
- Average age: 30.6, which is above the league average, indicating experience.
- Goal ratio: 23 goals scored and 31 goals conceded in 9 games, indicating a relatively high average of goals conceded.
- Special teams: Outstanding penalty kill efficiency (93.1%), while their power play is weaker (18.18%).
The team’s top scorer is Filip Forsberg, who has collected 8 points so far (4 goals, 4 assists). Forsberg’s stats are particularly important, as he is the team’s most prominent attacker. In goal, Juuse Saros has a crucial role with a goals-against average of 2.75 and a save percentage of .905, which is stable but not excellent.
Edmonton Oilers
The absence of Connor McDavid is a significant setback for the Oilers, as he is the team’s top scorer. In his absence, the load falls on Draisaitl, who has also scored 10 points so far. The Oilers’ goal ratio is unfavorable: 22 goals scored and 35 goals conceded in 10 games.
The weakness in their special teams is evident:
- Power play efficiency is only 13.79%.
- Penalty kill efficiency is low, at 62.07%, representing a significant risk.
Goalkeeper Stuart Skinner has a goals-against average of 3.51 and a save percentage of .872, which is concerning, especially in away games.
Low Risk
- More than 5.5 goals in the match: Both teams struggle with defense, and while the Oilers are weaker offensively without McDavid, the Predators’ net hasn’t proven impenetrable either. Probability: 65%
Odds: 1.65
Summary
The outcome of the match is uncertain without McDavid, but betting on the number of goals could be relatively safe, considering the defensive weaknesses of both teams. Points scored by Draisaitl and Forsberg also seem like good bets based on statistical analysis.