Predators vs Penguins Prediction & Picks (March 30): Crosby and the Gang Get Back on Track

Thursday, March 30’s NHL schedule includes an inter-conference meeting between the Nashville Predators and Pittsburgh Penguins. Both teams must keep winning if they hope to play in this year’s postseason, further adding to the stakes of tonight's Predators vs Penguins showdown.

Panthers win in overtime, Islanders win in shootout. Updated Eastern Conference Wild Card Race. #Penguins host Predators tomorrow #letsgopens pic.twitter.com/7qwg9PWJrV

— Andrew Stockey (@astockeyWTAE) March 30, 2023

The Predators have some momentum on their side after notching a 2-1 victory over the NHL-leading Boston Bruins. Cody Glass and Cole Smith each scored for Nashville while Juuse Saros stopped 35-of-36 shots to seal the deal for the Preds.

Meanwhile, the Penguins aim to bounce back following a disappointing 7-4 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. Despite being tied 3-3 ahead of the third period, Pittsburgh just couldn’t hang on as it was outscored 4-1 by Detroit in the final frame alone.

For those wondering about Predators vs Penguins betting opportunities, Betting Newshas you covered. Here’s a look at the matchup’s latest odds, as well as a prediction and the best bets for tonight’s action.

Nashville Predators vs Pittsburgh Penguins Matchup Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Nashville Predators (37-28-8, 19-14-4 Away) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (36-28-10, 20-11-5 Home)
• Venue & Location: PPG Paints Arena (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
• Date: Thursday, March 30, 2023
• Game Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Time
• Predators vs Penguins TV Info: ESPN+

Predators vs Penguins Odds

Game odds are via BetOnline as of Thursday, March 30 at 8:33 a.m. ET. Odds from other top online sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Spread

• Nashville Predators +1.5 (-140)
• Pittsburgh Penguins -1.5 (+116)

Over/Under

• Over 6.5 Goals (-104)
• Under 6.5 Goals (-118)

Moneyline

• Nashville Predators +168
• Pittsburgh Penguins -205

Predators vs Penguins Betting Trends

• Nashville is 4-1 straight up in its last five road games.
• Pittsburgh is 2-6 straight up in its last eight games.
• The total has hit the under in 11 of Nashville’s last 16 games.
• The total has hit the over in six of Pittsburgh’s last nine home games.
• The total has hit the under in five of the last seven Nashville-Pittsburgh matchups.

Predators vs Penguins Game Preview

As mentioned before, a victory is crucial for both of these teams as the 2022-23 NHL season comes to a close.

The Predators currently sit three points back of the final wild card position in the Western Conference with nine games remaining on their schedule. On the other side, the Penguins currently occupy the final playoff spot out east, however, they’re only one point ahead of the next closest club.

Although the Predators have found success on the road lately, beating the Penguins is another story. After all, Nashville has dropped four of its last five games against Pittsburgh, most recently losing 3-1 at home just over one month ago.

Making matters worse is the fact that the Predators haven’t had much luck in Pittsburgh lately. They’ve lost eight of their last nine road games against the Penguins, being outscored 38-17 along the way. It doesn’t help that Nashville allowed four-plus goals in seven of those matchups.

It’ll be interesting to see if Juuse Saros can help turn that lack of success around. The Predators goaltender has been decently lately, tallying a 2.55 goals-against average and .919 save percentage while going 8-4-2 in his last 15 appearances.

"Juice in goal" was a good call, Caleb.

Juuse Saros made 35 saves to lead the @PredsNHL to victory against the League-leading Bruins as Nashville continues its pursuit of a playoff spot. https://t.co/5dolC0qg1Q

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 29, 2023

Standing across the ice from Saros will likely be Tristan Jarry. While he looks great when he’s on top of his game, that hasn’t been the case too often lately. Jaros is just 5-5-2 in his last 14 showings, tallying a 3.62 GAA and .876 SV%.

Nevertheless, the Predators will have a tough time winning if their power play doesn’t turn things around. The unit is an abysmal 1-of-26 (3.8%) over the last nine contests. On top of that, they haven’t scored a PP marker on the road since March 12, failing to convert on the last nine opportunities.

Unlike their opponents, the Penguins’ power play has been effective in recent weeks. They’re operating at a 26.1% success rate over the last 13 games and have five PP goals in their last four outings. Furthermore, the Pens are 11-of-39 (28.2%) on the man advantage in their last 11 games at PPG Paints Arena.

It’s also hard doubting the Penguins when they have an impressive 15-5 record as the favorite against Western Conference teams this season. At the same time, the Predators are only 16-13-1 overall against the Eastern Conference in 2022-23.

Predators vs Penguins Prediction and Picks

Predators vs Penguins Prediction: Penguins 3, Predators 2

Predators vs Penguins: Penguins ML (Best Value: -205 at BetOnline) & Under 6.5 Goals (Best Value: -118 at BetOnline)

Although the Predators are coming off a huge win, I don’t like their recent lack of success in Pittsburgh. The Penguins need the win more after their latest loss and will be motivated to make an example out of Nashville. It’ll be a close-fought game, but Mike Sullivan’s club has the tools to walk out of PPG Paints Arena with the victory.

I also anticipate tonight’s Predators vs Penguins game finishing with fewer than 6.5 goals. Not only is the under 11-5 in Nashville’s last 16 games, but also 5-2 in Pittsburgh’s last seven against the Western Conference. Considering how the two sides finished with fewer than 6.5 goals in five of their last seven meetings, I don’t expect a ton of offense.

Other Nashville vs Pittsburgh Betting Resources

• Predators vs Penguins Consensus Picks, Score Projections & Betting Stats