First round games in the NHL tend to be a little tougher than most, as the lower seeded teams often head into their series against the big guns feeling as though they have nothing to lose. While the cream usually always finds a way to rise to the top, there are times when those lower seeds land enough punches to put down the bigger guy. The Nashville Predators delivered a couple of series blows to the Anaheim Ducks by winning the opening 2 games of the series on the road, but there was always a feeling that this series was far from over. The Ducks proved that by heading into Nashville and getting the win in Game 3, and they can turn this thing into a best of 3 by snatching another one on the road on Thursday night. They may just have planted the seed of doubt in the heads of the Predators with that win, and you feel that those seeds could bloom into full-blown panic with another loss on home ice for Nashville. This is a huge game in their series, and you can wager on it at our MyBookie.ag pro hockey betting lines page..
How To Bet The Ducks Vs Predators NHL Playoff Odds, TV & Game Info
When: Thursday, April 21 at 8 PM EST
Where: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville
TV: CNBC
Radio: Ducks and Predators
Live Stream: CNBC
NHL Odds: TBA
Why bet on the Anaheim Ducks
The biggest problem for the Anaheim Ducks so far in this series has been their level of discipline. They have taken about twice as many penalties as the Predators through the first 3 games, and while they have not been made to pay too badly, it has made it difficult for them to play with any kind of fluency. The good news for the Ducks was that the defense finally got back to business as usual in Game 3, shutting out Nashville and looking overpowering while doing so. This has been the way that this unit has played all season long, and if they can play that way on a consistent basis, they will get right back into this series.
Why bet on the Nashville Predators
It may sound a little odd, but the Predators found themselves in a bit of a tough spot in Game 3. They went in with a huge upper hand after winning the opening 2 games of the series in Anaheim, but they seemed to be caught between going all out to get the 3-0 series advantage, or perhaps playing a little more conservatively. The Ducks seemed to sense that indecision, and they jumped all over it. Failing to connect on any of their 5 PP opportunities in Game 3 also hurt, and it’s hard to imagine that they are going to get that many shots again in this one. The Predators are still in a great position, but that all goes away with a loss on Thursday.
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
I had the Ducks winning this series in 5 games, and while that isn’t going to happen, I still believe they will edge it out. A win on Thursday for Anaheim could mean the beginning of the end for Nashville.
Anaheim Ducks 3 Nashville Predators 1
