PREMIUM
Stephen Nover's NHL Game of the Month
(NHL) Pittsburgh vs. Nashville,
Money Line: -131.00 Nashville (Home)
Result: Win
Money Line: -131.00 Nashville (Home)
Result: Win
Based on statistics and overall play, you could make an argument that the Predators are better than the Penguins during these Stanley Cup Finals. It's Pittsburgh, however, that leads the series, 2-0.
Better goaltending has been instrumental in the Penguins negating the Predators' longer stretches of excellence. Matt Murray has easily outshined Pekka Rinne in goal.
But I believe Nashville is the right side here coming home in a must-win spot. The Penguins have to be a little fat, forunate and happy being up 2-0. The Predators have fired 25 more shots on goal during the series.
Nashville has a very strong home ice advantage. They are 19-7 in its last 26 home games, including 7-1 during the Stanley Cup.
Rinne has the superior defense behind him especially with the Penguins minus Kris Letang. Rinne has impressive credentials. He was brilliant up until this series. I certainly can't see the Penguins sweeping the Predators. This is the game Nashville must have - and they are due for some breaks and better goaltending. That should come here at home.
Better goaltending has been instrumental in the Penguins negating the Predators' longer stretches of excellence. Matt Murray has easily outshined Pekka Rinne in goal.
But I believe Nashville is the right side here coming home in a must-win spot. The Penguins have to be a little fat, forunate and happy being up 2-0. The Predators have fired 25 more shots on goal during the series.
Nashville has a very strong home ice advantage. They are 19-7 in its last 26 home games, including 7-1 during the Stanley Cup.
Rinne has the superior defense behind him especially with the Penguins minus Kris Letang. Rinne has impressive credentials. He was brilliant up until this series. I certainly can't see the Penguins sweeping the Predators. This is the game Nashville must have - and they are due for some breaks and better goaltending. That should come here at home.