Nashville got back to their ideals in Game 3, which translated into a strong defensive effort. Now, the question is whether or not they can carry this over, or will the Coyotes continue to be a thorn in their side?
Although some sportsbooks have lower odds, most NHL odds makers currently the Preds pegged as -160 home favorites. The total is 5.
The Phoenix Coyotes can win because…
Game 3 was an aberration. The Coyotes were shutout in the third game of the series after scoring nine goals in the first two. History shows that they’ll find a way to get on the board.
As a matter of fact, the Coyotes have faced Pekka Rinne seven times this season and had scored 20 goals in the first six meetings. Chances are they get back on track on Friday night.
The Coyotes did a great job all season long in bouncing back from sluggish efforts as they were 13-6 following a game where they scored one goal or less.
But Game 3 presented a number of firsts for the Coyotes that indicate that the loss was a one-off. It was their first road loss of the postseason and it was the first time they were shutout. It was also the first time that they even trailed by two goals this postseason.
They’ve had a couple of days to think about it, and they’ll iron out the kinks for Friday.
The Nashville Predators can win because…
Game 3 was a momentum-changing win.
Through Games 1 and 2, the Coyotes got every type of break imaginable. Not only did they get all the bounces on the ice, they were even outplayed in Game 1 and still managed a way to win and saw the Preds suffer a discipline issue (which is highly uncharacteristic of this franchise) en route to an easy win in Game 2.
Game 3 was the first straight-up outing, and the Preds took it. They got the lead, played smart defense, and let Rinne go to work. Although they gave up 32 shots, few really threatened a scoring chance.
Now the Predators are going to get back their two key offensive weapons in Alexander Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn, both of whom were suspended for Game 3, and the momentum is clearly on their side.
Another smart, disciplined defensive effort will likely level this series at two games apiece.
Outlook & NHL betting prediction:
Nashville should get the win here, but don’t assume anything. This – like almost all the playoff games we’ve seen to this point – is a coin flip and there’s little reason to lay -160. Phoenix has found ways to score on Rinne consistently this season, so Nashville is no guarantee even though they need this game more.
Instead, I’ll take the UNDER once again as my NHL pick. Both goaltenders played well in Game 3 and that should continue in Game 4.
NHL Picks: UNDER +++
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