Predators vs Golden Knights Picks, Predictions & Odds Tonight

Covers

15 January 2024

Recent meetings between the Predators and Golden Knights have seen goals come in bunches, and with neither netminder scorching the earth with their play, our NHL picks expect that trend to continue tonight in Vegas.

Photo By - USA TODAY Sports

The Vegas Golden Knights host the Nashville Predators in the late window of Monday’s NHL slate. NHL odds have the Golden Knights labeled as home faves while the total sits at 6.0 or 6.5 across the board.

High-scoring games have typically been in store when these teams square off, with the Over going 6-3-1 over the past 10 meetings.

Will we see another high-scoring affair, or can the goaltending step up this time around? Find out in my free NHL picks for the Predators vs. Golden Knights on January 15.

Predators vs Golden Knights odds

Predators vs Golden Knights predictions

There have been seven or more total goals scored in four of Nashville's past five games, a trend that is likely to continue in this matchup. First, the Nashville Predators have held their own offensively this season, ranking in the top half of the league in goals scored per game, shots on goal per game, and shooting percentage.

Over those aforementioned five outings, the Preds are averaging 3.8 goals scored per game. This recent burst of offensive production should not be surprising as they rank 10th in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) at 5-on-5.

However, things have not gone as smoothly on the defensive side of the ice. Nashville ranks in the bottom half of the league in goals allowed per game, shots on goal allowed per game, penalty kill percentage, and penalty minutes.

With this poor defensive unit, goaltender Juuse Saros has struggled to keep the puck out of the net. Through 33 starts, Saros possesses a .901 SV% and 3.02 GAA.

He's now allowed five goals in four of his past six starts, posting a fade-worthy .856 SV% and 3.95 GAA over that span. There were seven or more total goals scored in four of those six outings.

These struggles are likely to continue against the Vegas Golden Knights, a team Saros is 1-3-1 against with a .892 SV% and 4.01 GAA over his past five outings. It’s always tough going against Vegas, a team that ranks seventh in xGF/60 at 5-on-5.

However, goaltending may also be an issue in this contest for the Golden Knights, as Logan Thompson continues to guard the crease in the absence of Adin Hill. Over his past eight starts, Thompson is 3-5 straight up with a .892 SV% and 2.41 GAA.

My best bet: Over 6.5 (+116 at FanDuel)

Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.

Predators vs Golden Knights same-game parlay

Over 6.5

Predators moneyline

While the defending Cup Champions are dangerous on home ice, there are a couple of reasons to like Nashville at plus money in this spot. First, despite the relatively down-season, Saros is far more trustworthy between the pipes than Thompson.

Second, the Preds hang right with the Knights in terms of the underlying metrics. Vegas ranks 10th in expected goal differential per 60 minutes at 5-on-5, while Nashville is right behind in the 11th spot.

With both teams ranking in the Top 10 of the league in xGF/60 at 5-on-5, and Nashville boasting the stronger defense and goaltender, it is worth taking a shot on the short underdogs to pull off the upset.

Best NHL bonuses

Get one no-sweat SGP every day
Bonus bets back if you don’t win! Claim Now

Bet $5 on any wager
Get $158 in bonus bets! Claim Now

Predators vs Golden Knights moneyline and Over/Under analysis

The Golden Knights opened as –142 favorites and were quickly bet down to -128. There are likely multiple reasons for this line movement, including the aforementioned variables as well as the news that Vegas forward Jack Eichel is heading to the IR.

That brings us to the total, which has bounced between 6.0 and 6.5, depending on the book. At plus money, I would rather take Over 6.5 than lay a larger number on 6.0.

However, for our more risk-averse bettors, I think there is still value in taking Over 6.0 if you want to go that route.