Red Wings vs. Predators Prediction & Odds: NHL Picks Today (March 2)

Teams fighting for their playoff lives will clash on Monday afternoon at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., when the Nashville Predators host the Detroit Red Wings (2 p.m. ET, NHL Network). 

I'm backing Detroit, the -120 moneyline betting favorite, and its solid defensive road record in my Red Wings vs. Predators prediction. Neither team is in excellent form, adding another layer in forecasting the matchup. On the other hand, Steven Stamkos is enjoying his best goal-scoring patch since joining the Predators almost two years ago.  

🏒 Red Wings vs. Predators picks & odds today: March 2

See all of our experts' NHL picks based on the latest NHL odds; picks rated on a 1-to-5 star confidence scale based on betting value.

Total wagered: 2 units | Max profit: 2.09 units

💰 Red Wings vs. Predators prediction & best bet

Under 6.5 goals (-130)

The Red Wings have the sixth-best defensive record on the road, conceding 2.7 goals per game. Five of their previous six road contests had six goals or fewer, with Saturday's 5-2 setback in Carolina against the high-flying Hurricanes the only exception. 

The Predators have enjoyed a productive stretch at Bridgestone Arena, but have the ninth-most anemic home offense. I expect the Red Wings to play a solid defensive game, not only winning, but also cashing the under. 

Overall, the Under hit in seven of the previous 10 Red Wings games. 

Score prediction: Red Wings 4, Predators 2

🔥 Best Red Wings vs. Predators player prop bet

Steven Stamkos anytime goal (+180)

Only one player (Cole Caufield) has more goals than Stamkos since Jan. 11. The apex Predator netted 12 in the previous 15 and scored in four of the last five contests. 

He's one of the primary reasons the Predators are back in the playoff race. The 36-year-old veteran also loves playing the Red Wings, with five in the previous six meetings. FanDuel offers the best price of the best sports betting sites, and I'd play the wager to +170. 

Stamkos is on fire, but I'm only investing 0.5 units ($5) because of the Red Wings' recent solid defensive record in hostile environments.  

📊 Live Red Wings vs. Predators odds

The odds have moved from an opening pick'em to the Red Wings as the -120 moneyline betting favorite. Money would have poured in on the Red Wings, pushing them into favorite status.

Despite their recent subpar run, the Red Wings are a solid outfit on the road, reinforced by strong defensive play. 

💡 How I'm betting Red Wings vs. Predators

Follow all of our NHL analysis and expert predictions this season.

I'm putting my faith in the Red Wings' sound defense, which has allowed one goal or fewer in four of the previous seven road games. Nashville has been prolific at home recently, which is slightly concerning, but most of its explosive offensive outputs came against poor defensive teams (Chicago, St. Louis).

I'm placing a full unit on Stamkos to score, as he's arguably the most in-form goal-scorer in the league. 

🚀 Red Wings vs. Predators same-game parlay

📈 Red Wings vs. Predators betting trends

🚑 Red Wings vs. Predators injuries

📺 How to watch Red Wings vs. Predators

• Date: Monday, March 2
• Puck drop: 2 p.m. ET
• Location: Bridgestone Arena (Nashville, Tenn.)
• TV: NHL Network