Boston Bruins at Nashville Predators Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 10/22/2024 8:45 PM EST

We have your Boston Bruins at Nashville Predators prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Boston Bruins hit the road to face the Nashville Predators.

Boston Bruins at Nashville Predators Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Boston Bruins +105 (BetMGM) / Nashville Predators -125 (BetMGM)
Best Puck Line Odds: -1.5 - Boston Bruins -230 (BetRivers) / Nashville Predators +205 (Caesars)
Best Total Odds: 6.0 - Under -110 (Caesars) / Over -110 (Caesars)

Game Info

Date: 10/22/2024
Time: 8:45 PM EST
Location: Bridgestone Arena (Nashville, TN)
TV: ESPN+

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past three seasons, the Boston Bruins and Nashville Predators have faced off four times, with the Bruins emerging victorious in three of those encounters. The games have shown a trend where the visiting team has won three times, while the home team has only secured a single victory. In terms of betting outcomes, both teams have covered the spread twice each. Notably, none of these games have gone over the total points line, with all four matches finishing under. This suggests a pattern of lower-scoring games when these two teams meet. The Bruins have generally been the stronger team, but the Predators have managed to secure a win, demonstrating their capability to challenge Boston.

The most recent matchup between these teams took place on April 2, 2024, where the Boston Bruins defeated the Nashville Predators 3-0. All three goals were scored in the third period, with Charlie Coyle, Pavel Zacha, and David Pastrnak each finding the net with wrist shots. The Bruins recorded 32 shots on goal and managed to block 20 shots from the Predators, who had 31 shots on goal. Despite both teams having power play opportunities, neither was able to capitalize, with Boston going 0 for 2 and Nashville 0 for 4. The faceoff statistics were heavily in favor of Nashville, who won 66% of the faceoffs compared to Boston's 34%. The Bruins' defensive prowess was evident as they limited Nashville to no goals and only committed two penalties throughout the game.

In the context of these past encounters, the Bruins have shown a consistent ability to secure victories, particularly when playing away from home. The Predators, while having a strong faceoff performance in the latest game, have struggled to convert opportunities into goals against Boston's defense. The trend of games finishing under the total points line suggests that both teams have been involved in tightly contested, defensively focused matches. As they prepare to face each other again, these historical statistics provide a framework for understanding the dynamics that have characterized their recent matchups.

Boston Bruins at Nashville Predators Preview

The Boston Bruins and Nashville Predators are set to clash in a matchup that presents contrasting narratives for both teams. The Bruins, with a 3-2-1 record, are navigating through a period of inconsistency, as highlighted by their recent 2-1 overtime loss to the Utah Hockey Club. Coach Jim Montgomery has expressed concerns about the team's pace and overall process, indicating that while results are not the immediate focus, the Bruins need to refine their game to align with their high standards. Despite these challenges, the Bruins have shown resilience, with players like Cole Koepke leading the charge offensively, boasting six points and a league-leading plus-10 rating. Goaltender Jeremy Swayman, although experiencing an up-and-down start, remains a key figure in Boston's defensive setup.

On the other hand, the Nashville Predators are in dire straits, having started the season with a franchise-worst 0-5-0 record. This winless streak has placed them at the bottom of the Western Conference, and they are the only NHL team yet to secure a point. The Predators' struggles are multifaceted, with significant issues in both goaltending and scoring. Juuse Saros, their primary netminder, has been unable to find his form, reflected in his subpar statistics. Offensively, Nashville has been prolific in generating shots, leading the league with an average of 35.4 shots per game, yet they have struggled to convert these opportunities into goals, averaging just 2.00 goals per game.

As the Predators prepare to host the Bruins, they will be looking to Zachary L'Heureux, recently called up from the AHL, to inject some much-needed energy and offensive spark into the lineup. Coach Andrew Brunette is hopeful that L'Heureux's debut can provide a catalyst for change. The Predators' leadership, including veterans like Steven Stamkos and Ryan O'Reilly, will be crucial in navigating this challenging period and instilling confidence in the team. With both teams eager to find their footing, this matchup promises to be a compelling contest, with the potential for a high-scoring affair as each side seeks to capitalize on the other's vulnerabilities.

Boston Bruins at Nashville Predators Pick: Total Points Over

As the Boston Bruins prepare to face the Nashville Predators, the potential for a high-scoring affair is evident, making the over on total points an enticing pick. The Predators, despite their winless start, have been prolific in generating offensive opportunities, leading the league with an average of 35.4 shots per game. However, their inability to convert these chances into goals has been a significant issue, averaging just 2.00 goals per game. This suggests that if they can find their scoring touch, the floodgates could open, especially against a Bruins team that has shown defensive vulnerabilities.

On the other side, the Bruins have demonstrated offensive prowess, with players like Cole Koepke leading the charge. Koepke's six points and league-leading plus-10 rating highlight Boston's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Despite their recent inconsistencies, the Bruins have the potential to exploit Nashville's defensive struggles, particularly given the Predators' goaltending woes. Juuse Saros, Nashville's primary netminder, has struggled with an 0-4-0 record, .875 save percentage, and 3.64 goals-against average, indicating that Boston could find success in front of the net.

Furthermore, the historical context of these matchups suggests a tightly contested game, but with both teams eager to break out of their respective slumps, the potential for a higher-scoring game is amplified. The Predators' desperation for a win and the Bruins' need to refine their game could lead to an open, attacking style of play, increasing the likelihood of surpassing the total points line. With both teams possessing the offensive talent to exploit each other's defensive weaknesses, betting on the over appears to be a sound strategy for this matchup.

Boston Bruins at Nashville Predators Top Player Prop Picks

Roman Josi Over 3.5 Shots On Goal +110 (DraftKings)

Roman Josi has been a workhorse for the Nashville Predators, averaging over 27 minutes per game, which ties him for the most among defensemen with Quinn Hughes. Despite the Predators' struggles, Josi's role as a key offensive driver remains unchanged. Nashville is leading the league with an average of 35.4 shots per game, indicating that they are generating plenty of offensive opportunities. Josi, as a defenseman who frequently joins the rush and takes shots from the point, is likely to be heavily involved in these offensive efforts. With the Predators desperate for a win and looking to capitalize on their shot volume, Josi is well-positioned to exceed the 3.5 shots on goal line.

Steven Stamkos Under 3.5 Shots On Goal -145 (BetRivers)

Steven Stamkos, a recent addition to the Nashville Predators, has been a focal point in their offensive strategy. However, the Predators' inability to convert their high shot volume into goals suggests that Stamkos may not be getting the quality opportunities needed to consistently hit the over on his shots on goal line. Additionally, the Bruins' defensive structure, which has historically limited opponents' scoring chances, could further restrict Stamkos' ability to generate shots. Given the Predators' current offensive struggles and the Bruins' defensive capabilities, the under on Stamkos' shots on goal appears to be a prudent choice.

Pavel Zacha Over 0.5 Points +105 (DraftKings)

Pavel Zacha has been a consistent contributor for the Boston Bruins, as evidenced by his goal in their most recent matchup against the Nashville Predators on April 2, 2024. With the Bruins looking to exploit Nashville's defensive vulnerabilities, Zacha's role in the offensive zone becomes even more critical. The Predators have been allowing the second-most goals per game in the league, and their goaltending has been subpar, with Juuse Saros struggling to find his form. This sets the stage for Zacha to capitalize on the Predators' defensive lapses and contribute to the scoresheet, making the over on his points line an attractive proposition.