Predators vs. Rangers Odds
| Predators Odds | +125 |
| Rangers Odds | -145 |
| Over/Under | 5.5 |
| Time | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
| Odds via DraftKings. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
Two of the NHL's biggest surprises will square off when the Nashville Predators take Manhattan for a date with the New York Rangers on Sunday.
Nashville is one of the hottest teams in the league with four straight wins and seven victories in its past 10 games. The Predators are 3-0 on their four-game road trip that concludes at MSG and have outscored their opponents 12-7.
The Rangers sit atop the Metropolitan Division with 39 points and eight wins in their past 10 games. New York defeated the Buffalo Sabres 2-1 on Friday.
Predators Have Smashed Expectations
The Predators were universally predicted to fall short of the playoffs this season yet enter play in second place in the Central Division standings after the season's first period.
Nashville has been successful due to its stalwart defense and goalie Juuse Saros. The Predators are tied for fourth-fewest goals allowed in the Western Conference (75), and Saros enters play with a .932 5-on-5 save percentage and 5.23 goals-saved above average, which is 11th-best in the NHL, according to Natural Stat Trick.
The Predators offense has scored timely goals, yet they will likely be without leading goal scorer Matt Duchene for the second straight game. Duchene sustained an upper-body injury and missed Nashville's win over New Jersey on Friday.
New York Rangers
New York has been one of the worst possession teams in the NHL yet sits atop the Metro largely due to goalie Igor Shesterkin, who could return from injured reserve against the Predators. New York ranks second in the NHL in team save percentage at all situations (.920), and Shesterkin is second in the league among qualifying goalies in save percentage (.937).
Still, New York has the fifth-worst Corsi-for percentage (46.0), sixth-worst scoring-chances for percentage (45.9) and is tied for eighth in the Eastern Conference in goals. New York is second in the NHL in points percentage (.750) due to Shesterkin, all-world forward Artemi Panarin, who is tied for fifth in the league in points (32) and Chris Kreider, whose 17 goals is tied for fourth-most in the NHL.
Things would look different if Shesterkin is unable to play. Goalie Adam Huska allowed seven goals on 39 shots against the Colorado Avalanche in his NHL debut Wednesday, and Alexandar Georgiev ranks 56th in the league in save percentage (.896).
Predators vs. Rangers Pick
Sweeping a four-game road trip is really difficult, particularly without Duchene, even when three of the four come against the dregs of the East. Nashville should be content to return home with a 3-1 or 3-0-1 record on the trip.
The Rangers' success is confounding, but some teams can PDO their way to the playoffs or even a division title. New York is rolling, and if Shesterkin returns it should be able to take care of business at home against the Predators. Maybe even try a moneyline/under parlay to get better odds.
Pick: Rangers ML (-145)
