For the fourth and final time, the Chicago Blackhawks have a date with the Nashville Predators. The first three meetings between these Central Division rivals ended with Nashville victories.
In Chicago, this season was never supposed to be competitive. One look at their record shows that the mission was accomplished. There are bright spots, but this team earned their standing as one of the NHL’s worst.
As for the Nashville Predators, they used a red-hot February and March to secure a playoff berth. Though they’ve cooled off lately, the Preds are still dangerous. Let’s see if they can finish the sweep to start the weekend.
In years past, this matchup would’ve meant a lot more. Still, what will the Blackhawks and Predators bring to the arena on Friday night?
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators Betting Odds
| Team | Puck Line | Total | MoneyLine |
| Predators | -1.5
+102 |
O 6
-118 |
-258 |
| Blackhawks | +1.5
-122 |
U 6
-102 |
+210 |
| **Odds Courtesy of DraftKings and Subject to Change** | |||
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators Match Details
- Fixture: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators
- Date and Time: Friday, April 12, 2024, 8:30 p.m. EDT
- Location: United Center in Chicago, Illinois
Apex Tale of the Tape
| Blackhawks | vs. | Predators |
| 23-50-5 | Record | 45-29-5 |
| 2.18 | Goals Per Game | 3.20 |
| 26.6 | Shots Per Game | 32.1 |
| 8.2% | Shooting Percentage | 10.0% |
| 16.4% | Power Play | 20.2% |
| 46.6% | Faceoff | 50.4% |
| 691 | Penalty Minutes | 739 |
| 3.49 | Goals Against Per Game | 3.03 |
| 32.5 | Shots Against Per Game | 30.5 |
| .897 | Save Percentage | .907 |
| 77.7% | Penalty Kill | 76.9% |
| 1 | Shutouts | 4 |
Chicago Blackhawks
- Chicago is last in goals per game and shooting percentage this season. Their goal differential is 31st
- Rookie Connor Bedard paces the team in goals (22), assists (37), points (59), and shots on goals (201) despite missing time with a broken jaw
- 16 of the Blackhawks’ 23 wins have come at home
- The Chicago Blackhawks are 2-3-0 in their last five
Nashville Predators
- Filip Forsberg leads the Predators in goals (43) and points (89)
- Nashville is 3-0-0 with a +5 goal differential against the Chicago Blackhawks this season
- The Preds have a better points percentage (.628) on the road, thanks to a 23-13-3 record
- Nashville is 2-2-1 in their last five games
Match Prediction
The Predators won’t finish with a top-three spot in the Central Division, but they’re still a good team that’s locked into the playoffs for a reason. None of that applies to Chicago, who hasn’t taken a game from the Preds yet. Although the Blackhawks are a better team at home, Nashville improves on the road.
So, expect this game to end like the first three. The Predators, who are still fighting for the top wild-card spot, dominate the Chicago Blackhawks. It’s hard to win without scoring. No team struggles with that more than the Blackhawks.
Final Pick
Nashville Predators -1.5 (+102)
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Follow Andre on Twitter at @TowerTalkSports. You can also reach out to Andre Ifill via email at andre.ifill.jr@gmail.com. For Andre’s hockey talk, listen to this podcast every weekday. Andre also discusses the NFL, NBA, and MLB here. You can read and follow Andre’s betting picks at Winners and Whiners or read more of his stuff here on Total Apex Sports. He has spent years writing, talking, and picking sports professionally at the highest level.
