Washington Capitals vs Nashville Predators Prediction, 12/16/2023 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Washington Capitals vs Nashville Predators

Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023

Location: Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN

TV: Bally Sports South

Odds/Point Spread: Capitals (+102) Predators (-125)

Bridgestone Arena is where the Nashville Predators (16-13-0) will take on the Washington Capitals (14-8-4) on Saturday. The moneyline on this matchup has the Capitals at +102 and the Predators are sitting at -125. The total comes in at 7.

The Washington Capitals had a decent effort after finishing in a 3-3 tie against the Flyers in their previous game. The Capitals had a middle of the road offensive performance in this game. For the outing, they netted 3 out of the 30 shots they tried. In addition, they had 3 chances with the advantage and were able to score 1 goal. Washington accounted for 10 penalty minutes in this game.

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At even strength, the Capitals have conceded 58 goals while earning 58 when they are on offense. Washington Capitals opponents have recorded 84 power play opportunities (28th in hockey) and have a total of 16 goals in those chances. With respect to scoring goals, the Washington Capitals have notched 65 goals (31st in the NHL) on the season and have given up 74. Washington has taken 727 shots and is the owner of a shooting percentage of 8.9%. For the year, they have scored 32 points and their points percentage sits at .615. The Capitals so far have had 812 shots taken against them and are the owners of a save percentage of .909. Washington has 76 power play opportunities and they have tallied 7 goals out of those attempts, giving them a percentage of 9.21%.

The player between the pipes for this game is Darcy Kuemper. Over the course of his career, Kuemper has accounted for 193 quality starts and his quality starts percentage is .548. His save percentage currently sits at .915 during his 20,887 minutes between the pipes. Kuemper has seen 10,546 shot attempts against him and he has 9,652 saves. The opposition has racked up 894 goals versus Kuemper in his pro career and his goals against average per contest is 2.57. He has compiled a mark of 171-127-45 and he has started in 352 games. Kuemper has played in 370 matchups during his pro hockey career.

Their last time out, Nashville played the Flyers in a matchup where the Predators notched a win by a score of 3-2. They had 3 power play attempts in this outing but weren't able to score a goal. The Predators earned 3 goals of the 22 shots on goal they took.

During this campaign, the Nashville Predators have earned a total of 89 goals, 32 points, in addition to a points percentage of .552. They have granted a total of 88 goals to be scored by of a combination of 67 goals at even strength and 21 goals while they were shorthanded. The Predators have 67 goals at even strength and 22 goals (9th in pro hockey) while having a power play advantage. They have a tally of 107 power play chances and they have a power play percentage of 20.56%. Nashville has tried 878 shots (15th in pro hockey) and has a shooting percentage of 10.14%, while allowing the opposition 901 shots. They have recorded a penalty kill percentage of 77.66% on the other teams 94 power play opportunities, and their save percentage sits at 90.2%.

Across the ice you are likely to see Juuse Saros in goal. Teams are averaging 2.59 goals/game and he has given up 765 goals in total. Saros' rate of quality starts sits at 61.3% and he has 179 quality starting assignments in his career. He was named a starter in 292 games and has been on the ice for 17,710 minutes. Saros has amassed a lifetime record of 160-105-27 and has been in net for 309 games. He has racked up 8,641 saves out of 9,406 shots attempted against him, which gives him a save percentage of .919.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Josh's Pick: Take Nashville (-125)

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