The Predators ran up three straight victories, winning 5 of 6 leading up to the All-star break. While just .500 for the season, they have been much better in the second half. Vegas is a good road team but has struggled in the second half, and are still a victim of the injury bug. They continue to get solid goal-tending from Thompson, but are up against a rare game-altering net-minder in Saros, whose 92% save % has kept Nashville in many games.
With Mark Stone out and Eichel under-performing, the Knights' offense hasn't been strong lately, scoring just 5 goals in their four straight losses before the break. Meanwhile the Preds are overachieving on offense, managing 13 goals against tough opposition in their three victories leading up to the Break.
I favor Saros and the Preds today, as were the odds-makers. I am not convinced that the Golden Knights will bounce back from their recent funk. Take Nashville, in a game that is now a pick-em, to win at home.