a total play
Neither team in great form, primarily because they’ve forgotten about that whole ‘playing defense’ thing. Columbus did beat Florida at home on Wednesday night 3-0 but that was only their second win in the past ten games. During that span they’ve gone over the total in seven of ten games. Nashville in a little better shape, with three wins in their last seven games with 3 over, 2 under and 2 push in that stretch. Columbus has a more potent offense than Nashville, ranking #7 in the NHL with 3.00 goals per game. They’ve also got a more miserable defense, ranking #28 with 3.33 goals against per game. Nashville is more balanced, ranking #13 in team defense and #25 in team offense.
The Jackets will likely go with backup goalie Mathieu Garon here. Garon has actually played better than starter Steve Mason so far this season, but Mason did record his first shutout of the year on Wednesday night. Garon has lost five straight starts against the Preds with a 4.43 goals against average, including a 0-4-0 record at Nashville with a 4.08 goals against average. Pekka Rinne will likely be between the pipes for Nashville, and he’s cooled off considerably since the Preds winning run of mid to late November. Rinne played well in a 4-2 win against Vancouver on Tuesday, but before that he’d lost four straight starts giving up a total of 13 goals.
Long story short,i expect to see some goals scored here. Nashville should feast on Garon, while the Jackets’ more potent offense should at least keep the game competitive. 7 of the last eight meetings between the two teams at Nashville have gone over the total and i like this one to go over as well.
over 5.5
The Jackets will likely go with backup goalie Mathieu Garon here. Garon has actually played better than starter Steve Mason so far this season, but Mason did record his first shutout of the year on Wednesday night. Garon has lost five straight starts against the Preds with a 4.43 goals against average, including a 0-4-0 record at Nashville with a 4.08 goals against average. Pekka Rinne will likely be between the pipes for Nashville, and he’s cooled off considerably since the Preds winning run of mid to late November. Rinne played well in a 4-2 win against Vancouver on Tuesday, but before that he’d lost four straight starts giving up a total of 13 goals.
Long story short,i expect to see some goals scored here. Nashville should feast on Garon, while the Jackets’ more potent offense should at least keep the game competitive. 7 of the last eight meetings between the two teams at Nashville have gone over the total and i like this one to go over as well.
over 5.5
