The Boston Bruins conclude their road series with a match against the Nashville Predators, who have yet to find their optimal game. The hosts have already lost 5 matches in a row and occupy last place in the standings. Meanwhile, the Bruins show instability, alternating victories and defeats. Who is the favorite for the upcoming meeting?
Nashville
Nashville has improved significantly in recent years, bringing in several star players. Leaders like: Steven Stamkoslongtime Tampa captain, and Jonathan Marchessaultwho became the most valuable player of the 2022/2023 season.
Experience has added Ryan O’Reilly – One of the best centers in the league, known for his faceoff skills and defensive reliability. Young talent also joined the team Fedor Svechkov, a graduate of Spartak Moscow, who promises to become an important figure in the future.
However, despite such a solid roster, the Predators are struggling. 5 defeats in a rowno points scored and the worst goals scored in the league – only 10 goals for the first matches of the regular season. This is a wake-up call for a team that planned to fight for top places. Despite the stellar roster, Nashville is not yet living up to expectations. However, given the example of Edmonton last year, which managed to get out of a deep hole, there is still time to improve the game.
The Predators’ main problem is goaltending. Juusi Saros, the main goalkeeper of the team, shows only 87% of shots savedwhich is below average for a goalie of his caliber. His backup, Scott Wedgwood, shows an even lower percentage – 80%which makes the team’s defense vulnerable. The goalkeeping line needs serious work to improve its position and add confidence to the team.
Boston
The Bears are also facing some challenges this season. For Jim Montgomery’s team won 6 matches and won 3having won Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Kings and Montreal Canadiens. However, against such opponents as “Florida Panthers and UtahBoston was unlucky. And the Florida club lost twice (4:6 and 3:4)and in the last meeting with Utah lost in overtime – 1:2.
Boston’s problems stem from a lack of defensive stability and goaltending performance.. The team often makes mistakes in its own zone, which leads to dangerous moments and missed goals. What especially stands out in this context is the second period, when the Bruins miss most often. However, the attacking line remains the team’s strength: David Pastrnak is an important link, capable of creating chances both in equal compositions and in the majority.
Pastrnak continues to delight fans with his productivity. For In 6 matches he has already scored 4 goals and 1 assist. He remains a key player for Boston, capable of turning the tide of a game with his individual actions.. His skills allow him to create dangerous chances even when the team is in difficult situations.
However, despite his efforts, Boston needs to improve its defensive play and better chemistry between its lines to achieve consistent results. It is important not only to score points, but also to maintain concentration throughout the game, especially in decisive moments.
Approximate compositions
Nashville Predators: Saros (Wedgewood) — Fabbro, Josi — Nyquist, O’Riley, Forsberg.
Boston Bruins: Sveiman (Korpysalo) — Zadorov, McEvoy — Zaha, Lindholm, Pastrniak.
Forecast and bet on the outcome of the odds. 1.79
In each of the 6 matches of the current championship, Boston scored in the 2nd period. Nearly 40% of the Bruins’ goals came during that stretch. At the same time, Nashville conceded 8 goals in 2 twenty-minute periods. Item: P2 in 2 periods for 2.70.
Nashville’s attack leaves much to be desired: only 10 goals scored. But Boston has problems in defense – 20 goals conceded in 6 matches. 67% of the time, the Bruins’ opponents scored against them at least 3 times. Perhaps you should believe in the capabilities of the home club and consider betting on their individual total. Item: ITB1 (2.5) for 1.6.
Guests must also hit the opponent’s goal more than once during the match. Nashville’s problems on the blue line have not gone away, but the Bears know how to score. Item: ITB2 (2.5) for 1.7.
Nashville’s defense remains a weak link – the club conceded 23 goals in 5 matches, which makes it the leader in this indicator. However, Boston is not perfect either – 20 conceded goals indicate difficulties in defense. Both clubs play in an attacking style, and although the Predators have difficulties with execution, Boston consistently scores – 21 goals in 6 meetings. 67% of the Bruins’ matches ended on top; for Nashville, this figure reaches 80%. Rate: TB (6) for 1.99.
Even taking into account the series of failures of “Nashville”, according to the theory of probability, success is still not far off. Brunette’s team has strong forwards who, sooner or later, must show their best qualities. Although Boston is an awkward opponent for the Predators, Nashville has won the last 3 of its 4 wins at home. The Bruins’ defensive failures give the hosts a chance to take their first points. Bet: F1 (0) for 1.79.
Forecast: Fora 1 (0)
Trends in statistics
Boston scores in the 2nd period in each of their games.
Nashville has only scored 10 goals this season so far.
