Nashville Predators vs Washington Capitals Prediction, 12/30/2023 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Nashville Predators vs Washington Capitals

Date: Saturday, December 30, 2023

Location: Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

TV: Monumental Sports Network

Odds/Point Spread: Predators (+100) Capitals (-121)

The Washington Capitals (17-10-5) will compete against the Nashville Predators (19-16-0) at Capital One Arena on Saturday. The odds on this game have Nashville at +100 while Washington is opening at -121. The over/under is set at 7.

The Nashville Predators had a rough game after their 5-2 defeat against the Hurricanes their last time out. The Predators didn't have a great showing offensively in the defeat. For the game, they tallied a score on 2 out of the 37 shots they put on net. Additionally, they had 4 power play opportunities and scored 1 goal. Nashville earned 12 mins in the box in this matchup.

Get all of our NHL Picks Today

Nashville Predators opponents have totaled 116 power play opportunities (9th in professional hockey) and have scored 28 goals in those attempts. The Predators so far have had 1,079 shots tried against them and hold a save percentage of .899. Nashville has attempted 1,048 shots and has a shooting percentage of 10.3%. When playing at even strength, the Predators have surrendered 81 goals while having 82 when they are on offense. Nashville steps onto the ice with 126 power play opportunities and they have added 26 goals out of those attempts, giving them a rate of 20.63%. For the season, they have recorded 38 points and their points percentage is sitting at .543. In the matter of their scoring capabilities, the Nashville Predators have notched 108 goals (15th in the league) over the course of the season and have allowed 109.

Protecting the goal for this matchup will be Juuse Saros. Opponents have been able to score 781 goals versus Saros in his pro hockey career and his goals against rate is 2.61. Saros has been in net for 314 games over the course of his NHL career. His save percentage currently sits at .918 for his 17,971 mins on the ice. He has amassed a mark of 162-108-27 and he has started in 297 games. In his professional hockey career, Saros has compiled 182 quality starts and his percentage for quality starts is .613. Saros has had 9,536 shots taken against him and has recorded 8,755 total saves.

Their last time out, Washington faced off against the Rangers in a game where the Capitals ended up taking the loss by a final of 5-1. They had 2 power play attempts in this matchup but weren't able to score a goal. The Capitals earned 1 goal of the 27 shots on goal they attempted.

Washington has attempted 899 shots (32nd in the NHL) and has earned a shot percentage of 8.34%, while allowing their opponents 983 shots. They have earned a penalty kill percentage of 82.18% on their oppositions 101 opportunities on the power play, and their save percentage sits at 91.0%. They have earned 91 power play chances and they have a power play percentage of 12.09%. The Capitals have racked up 64 goals at even strength and 11 goals (31st in pro hockey) while having a power play advantage. They have permitted 88 goals to be scored by of a combination of 70 goals at even strength and 18 goals while they had less men on the ice. For the year, the Washington Capitals have 75 goals, 39 points, and a points percentage of .609.

For the opposition you are expected to see Darcy Kuemper between the pipes. Kuemper has earned a career record of 173-128-45 and has played in 373 games. Kuemper's percentage of quality starts sits at 54.9% and he has made 195 quality starting assignments in his pro hockey career. He has compiled 9,736 saves out of 10,638 shots taken, giving him a save percentage of .915. His opposition is averaging 2.57 goals/game and he has allowed 902 goals in total. He has started in 355 games and has played 21,074 mins.

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

Josh's Pick: Take Nashville (+100)

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here