Stars vs. Predators prediction: NHL odds, picks, bets for Friday
The Dallas Stars didn’t have to wait long to seek redemption for the 4-3 loss to the Nashville Predators on Jan. 6.
Friday night marks the third meeting in a season series that’s been split between the Central Division foes.
Even without Jake Oettinger in the pipes, Dallas has sustained a sound presence in the division with consistent results.
Scott Wedgewood has been serviceable enough to secure a 12-4-3 record playing in back of Dallas’ excellent five-on-five play, but schleps some unsavory personal numbers around.
Wedgewood has surrendered four goals in seven of his 18 starts; he is ranked nearly last among all NHL goaltenders in goals saved above expected.
While the 31-year-old vet balances the .900 fence in save percentage, Stars shooters have found twine at the third-highest rate along with a No. 2 ranked shooting percentage.
This is arguably the most well-balanced lineup in the NHL.
Jason Robertson leads a group of six players with at least 32 points.
His 13 points with the man-advantage has bolstered the top power-play unit to reliable efficiency.
Nashville’s special teams haven’t been nearly as consistent, but the Preds’ expected goals rate is quietly moving at an above-average pace.
Ryan O’Reilly has been a refreshing addition to this lineup as a two-way player.
He added kick as a top-20 high-danger scoring generator to spearhead an offense that was previously relying heavily on Filip Forsberg’s production.
Juuse Saros has been battling a bad case of the yips in what has been his most disappointing season.
- Read our expert guide on how to bet on the NHL
He’s let up five goals in both of his last two starts and lives right next to Wedgewood down in the dungeons of expected goals saved metrics.
There’s no question both sides are equipped with the premier talent to score goals.
The issues with goaltending depth are just another commonality that has led to 46 cashes on the Over in 81 combined games (56.8 percent).
