Tag: Pekka Rinne

Predators legend Pekka Rinne received a beautiful statue tribue outside of Nashville’s arena

The Nashville Predators unveiled a beautiful statue for former goalie Pekka Rinne on Saturday.

A monument to the greatest Nashville Predator of all time will forever live outside the team’s arena.

On Saturday, the organization revealed a statue honoring former Predators goalie Pekka Rinne right in front of Bridgestone Arena.

The goalie led the franchise to its lone Western Conference title and Stanley Cup appearance in 2017.

After retiring in 2021, Rinne’s No. 35 was retired by the team in 2022 and was hoisted to Bridgestone Arena’s rafters along with the franchise’s other banners.

A big crowd of Predators fans gathered outside of the arena ahead of Nashville’s afternoon tilt against the Seattle Kraken as the statue was unveiled.

Retiring Predators general manager David Poile spoke ahead of the unveiling, thanking the goalie for all he had done for the franchise.

As for Rinne, he maintained his patented sense of humor while taking in the special Saturday festivities.

It’s not often NHL goalies get a statue unveiled for them outside of where they used to play, but that’s just how much Rinne meant and continues to mean to the Predators franchise. It’s a fitting tribute to a team legend.

Bruins’ Linus Ullmark netted the NHL’s first goalie goal since 2020

GOALIE GOAL!

Boston Bruins goalie Linus Ullmark pulled off a rare feat during the waning seconds of his team’s Saturday game against the Vancouver Canucks.

With Vancouver pulling its own goalie down 2-1 to Boston, Ullmark cleared the puck out of Boston’s side of the ice with enough force and focus to net it in the Canucks’ goal.

It’s the first goalie goal to happen in the NHL since former Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne netted one sometime before his retirement.

Naturally, Ullmark’s Bruins teammates were eager to celebrate their goalie on his special accomplishment. It’s been a heck of a year for Boston, and Ullmark’s goal should be a definite highlight.

The Bruins sit atop the competitive Athletic Division with 95 points going into the last stretch of the regular season.

As the team continues to push for its first Stanley Cup since the 2010-11 season, they’ll need more magic like this from Ullmark to make it happen.

Three Notre Dame alumni nominated for King Clancy Memorial Trophy

Hopefully, one of them wins!

With the Stanley Cup playoffs underway, it’s time to speculate who will win this year’s awards in the NHL. One award is the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. This award is presented to the player who best exemplifies leadership on his team at all times and has been a humanitarian in his community. Past winners include Pekka Rinne, Henrik and Daniel Sedin, Henrik Zetterberg, Patrice Bergeron, Vincent Lecavalier, Jarome Iginla, Ron Francis, Curtis Joseph and Ray Bourque.

Every team has a nominee, and this year, Notre Dame is well represented. That’s because three players who once suited up for the Irish are among the nominees. That means there’s a good chance Notre Dame will have one of its own be listed among some elite company, although the award only has been presented since 1988. Here are the three former Irish players to watch out for this awards season, two of which play for playoff teams:

Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Nashville Predators (33-26-8) take on the Dallas Stars (37-22-8) drop the puck at the American Airlines Center at 2 p.m. ET Saturday in Dallas. We analyze the Predators-Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Predators at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Juuse Saros vs. Ben Bishop

Saros might get the start in the second end of the home-and-home after blanking the Stars 2-0 in Nashville on Thursday night, turning aside all 33 shots he faced. It hasn’t been confirmed he’ll start over Pekka Rinne, but it makes sense. The last time Rinne faced the Stars in Texas, it was outdoors in the Cotton Bowl at the Winter Classic on New Year’s Day, a 4-2 loss for the Predators. He allowed four goals on 35 shots that day. He also allowed four goals on 22 shots in a Dec. 14 loss in the Music City, so the Stars really seem to have his number.

Bishop made the start on New Year’s Day vs. NSH, allowing two goals on 33 shots in a win in his only appearance this season against the Preds. Anton Khudobin started Thursday in Nashville, allowing two goals on 32 shots in a loss. He did beat the Preds Dec. 14 in Smashville, allowing just one goal on 38 shots, but Bishop has been confirmed.

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Predators at Stars: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Saturday at 10:05 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Stars 3, Predators 2

Moneyline (ML)

The STARS (-154) have dropped four in a row, but they’re 5-1 in the past six meetings against the Predators (+125), while winning 30 of the previous 43 battles in Texas, too. The favorite has cashed in 26 of the previous 38 in this series.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Stars (-1.5, +180) are my play to win on the moneyline, but I expect this to be a tight, defensive battle. Plus, three of the past four wins by Dallas have resulted in one-goal victories. Six of the past 10 wins by the Stars have been by the score of 3-2. If anything, the Predators (+1.5, -223) are the play, but that juice is just way too much.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-143) is where it’s at. The under has cashed in five straight division games for the Predators and five of the past seven on the road, while hitting in 12 of the past 17 overall. The under is 38-16-5 in the past 59 at home for Dallas, and 16-7-3 in the past 26 inside the division.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Dallas Stars at Nashville Predators odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Dallas Stars at Nashville Predators sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Dallas Stars (37-21-8) visit the Nashville Predators (32-26-8) Thursday at Bridgestone Arena for an 8 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Stars-Predators odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Both teams played Tuesday and suffered a third consecutive loss. The Stars dropped a 2-1 overtime decision at home to the Edmonton Oilers, while the Predators fell 3-1 at the Minnesota Wild.

This is the first of consecutive games for the two Central Division rivals. They’ll face off again Saturday in Dallas, which took the first two head-to-head meetings of the season, winning 4-1 at Nashville Dec. 14, and 4-2 at home in the outdoor NHL Winter Classic Jan. 1.

Dallas is third in the Central Division, while Nashville is 2 points out of a wild-card spot.

Stars at Predators: Projected starting goalies

Ben Bishop vs. Juuse Saros

Bishop is 21-14-4 with a 2.49 goals against average (GAA), a .921 save percentage and two shutouts in 42 games (41 starts). He lost his last two games, allowing eight goals on 41 shots, but he is 1-0 vs. the Preds this season. However, he sat out Tuesday with a lower body injury. If he’s can’t go in Nashville, Anton Khudobin (16-7-4, 2.22 GAA, .929 SV%), who is 2-0-2 in his last four starts, will get the nod.

Saros is 14-12-4 with a 2.88 GAA, a .908 SV% and two shutouts in 37 games (31 starts). He also lost his last two starts, surrendering five goals on 63 shots, but he has a 2.52 GAA in his last four starts. Veteran Pekka Rinne (18-14-4, 3.17 GAA, .895 SV%) has really been struggling – he gave up eight goals on 31 shots in an 8-3 drubbing by the Oilers Monday.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Stars at Predators: Key injuries

Stars

  • C Justin Dowling (lower body) questionable
  • G Ben Bishop (lower body) questionable
  • D William Butcher (upper body) out

Predators

  • C Ryan Johansen (illness) questionable
  • D Dan Hamhuis (lower body) questionable

Stars at Predators: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Predators 3, Stars 1

Moneyline (ML)

The PREDATORS (-115) are the STRONGEST PLAY. There will be more emotion than usual as the team will be playing its first game at home since deadly tornadoes hit the Nashville area earlier this week. Throw out any trends in this one – the Stars (-106) are one of the better road teams at 18-11-5 – as the vibe of community and “Nashville Strong” will be on full display.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)

AVOID. Dallas (+1.5, -295) is 21-13 vs. the PL on the road, but the price is too expensive. Every $2.95 wagered on the Stars PL only profits $1 if they win outright or lose by 1 goal. Nashville (-1.5, +230) is tempting with a 2.3-to-1 payoff, but I’ll PASS. The Preds are 22-44 vs. the PL overall and 9-25 vs. the PL at home. I’ll back the ML above and be happy with a 1-goal win.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 5.5 (-129) to the bank. The Stars are the best Under team in the league at 24-40-2, and the Under is 6-1-2 in the last nine head-to-head meetings in Nashville. Meanwhile, the Preds are 5-11 O/U in their last 16 games, and 4-10-1 in their last 15 vs. the Western Conference.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. 

Johnny’s record since Dec. 1: 50-31-2. Strongest plays: 28-12.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Dallas Stars at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Saturday’s Dallas Stars at St. Louis Blues matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The defending champion St. Louis Blues (38-18-7) will host the Dallas Stars (32-23-8) Saturday at Enterprise Center in St. Louis at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Stars-Blues sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Stars at Blues: Projected starting goalies

Ben Bishop vs. Jordan Binnington

Bishop, the St. Louis native, heads into this one with a 21-14-4 record, 2.49 goals against average and .921 save percentage with a pair of shutouts. He is 0-3-0 with a 3.83 GAA and .890 SV% in his three previous appearances this season vs. STL. He allowed three goals on 30 shots in a narrow 3-2 loss in the only previous meeting in Missouri on Oct. 5.

Binnington will be in search of his 30th win of the season when he takes on the Stars. He has posted a 1-0-1 record, 2.45 GAA and .921 SV% in his other two regular-season starts against the Stars this season.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Stars at Blues: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 3, Stars 1

Moneyline (ML)

The BLUES (-162) are a good play against the Stars (+135), as they just seem to have the number of their rivals from the Metroplex. The Blues have ripped off wins in six consecutive, including four in a row at home, all behind Binnington. St. Louis has won three of the first four meetings this season, too.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Blues ML returns a profit of $6.20 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Stars ML results in a profit of $13.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BLUES (-1.5, +180) are a little bit of a risky play, but very tempting at this price level. A small-unit play is warranted based upon their 3-1 SU record this season. St. Louis has outscored Dallas 13-7 in the first four meetings, covering the puck line in two of their three wins vs. STL.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-139) is 5-2 in the past seven for Dallas as an underdog, while going 15-6-3 in the past 24 against Central Division foes. The under is 5-2 in the past seven for St. Louis, while going 4-1 in the past five as a favorite. The under is also 5-1-1 in the past seven meetings in this series, including 4-0 in the past four at Enterprise Center.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Colorado Avalanche at Nashville Predators odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Saturday’s Colorado Avalanche at Nashville Predators matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Colorado Avalanche (38-18-7) continues their road trip against the Nashville Predators (32-23-8) Saturday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville at 7 p.m. ET; you can catch this game on ESPN+. We analyze the Avalanche-Predators sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Avalanche at Predators: Projected starting goalies

Michael Hutchinson vs. Pekka Rinne

The Avalanche made a trade for Hutchinson at the trade deadline last week, and he is likely to get his first start for Colorado after the team just played in Raleigh Friday night. Hutchinson posted a 4-9-1 record, 3.66 goals against average and .886 save percentage in Toronto.

Rinne is expected to patrol the crease. He is 18-13-4 record, 3.00 GAA and .900 SV% this season. In Rinne’s only appearance against the Avs, he coughed up five goals on 22 shots before getting pulled early in the second period on Nov. 7 in a 9-4 loss.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Avalanche at Predators: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Predators 4, Avalanche 2

Moneyline (ML)

The PREDATORS (-139) gets the Avalanche (+115) in a favorable position, as Colorado will be playing in a back-to-back situation as their road trip continues. The Avalanche have won five in a row, and seven straight on the road, but they’ll run out of gas here. The Preds are 5-1 in their past six at home, and 4-1 in the past five against winning teams, too.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Predators ML returns a profit of $7.20 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Avalanche ML results in a profit of $11.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The PREDATORS (-1.5, +195) are worth a small-unit play at nearly double a return, especially if Hutchinson is in the crease for his team debut. He has been very giving so far this season. The Avs are just 3-7 in their past 10 trips to the Music City, too, and 5-16 in the previous 21 meetings overall.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-106) is the play here, going an impressive 15-6-1 in the past 22 meetings in Nashville. While the under is 6-0 in Colorado’s past six on the road, and 5-2 in Nashville’s past seven at home, Hutchinson is very giving and Rinne hasn’t been himself this season. The over is worth a small-unit play.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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New York Islanders at Nashville Predators odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s New York Islanders at Nashville Predators sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Nashville Predators (26-22-7) host the New York Islanders (33-16-6) at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville at 8 p.m. ET Thursday. We analyze the Islanders-Predators sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Islanders at Predators: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Pekka Rinne

Varlamov has posted an impressive 17-9-4 record, 2.59 goals against average and .915 save percentage across 30 starts and four relief appearances this season, and he has actually been way better on the road. He has a 2.91 GAA in 17 starts and 19 games at home while posting a sparkling 2.18 GAA in 13 starts and 15 appearances on the road. His save percentage is .926 on the road, too, as opposed to .907 at home.

Rinne has been in a little bit of a funk lately. While his 17-13-3 overall record isn’t bad, he has a subpar 3.11 GAA and .895 save percentage. In each of his first 11 full seasons in the NHL he has never had a GAA above 2.77 or a save percentage under .902. He beat the Isles earlier this season in New York, allowing three goals on 30 shots back on Dec. 17 in an 8-3 rout by the Preds.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Islanders at Predators: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 4, Predators 3

Moneyline (ML)

The ISLANDERS (+125) will likely be scouring over the video from their mid-December shellacking by five goals in New York. The Predators (-150) are favored in this one, but you can expect the Isles to return the favor.

Life hasn’t been as good for the Preds lately, as they’re just 2-8 in their past 10 games against winning teams, and 1-5 in their past six at home. Meanwhile, the Islanders have won four of their past five overall. New York is just playing a little better lately, so they’re the play on the road. Plus, Varlamov’s splits are heads and tails better away from home.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Islanders to win returns a profit of $12.50, while a $10 wager on the Predators results in a profit of $6.70.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Islanders (+1.5, -223) are a nice play on the road as short dogs on the moneyline, but they’re too expensive catching a goal and a half. The Predators (-1.5, +180) are a tempting play, and the public has been all over the home side on the ML, driving the price up significantly. Nashville covered the puck line in December in the first meeting, but they were also playing much better back then. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (-125) is 5-1-1 in New York’s past seven games overall, and 6-2 in the past eight against Western Conference foes. The Over is 12-1 in the past 13 for Nashville against Eastern Conference opponents, too, while going 7-3 in the past 10 against winning teams.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Toronto Maple Leafs at Nashville Predators odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at Nashville Predators sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Toronto Maple Leafs (25-17-7) and Nashville Predators (22-18-7) will battle at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Maple Leafs-Predators sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Maple Leafs at Predators: Projected starting goalies

Frederik Andersen vs. Pekka Rinne

The All-Star Andersen is 22-9-6 with a 2.89 goals against average and .909 save percentage. He is the projected starter, but since he took part in the Skills Competition and All-Star Game on Saturday night, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Michael Hutchinson get the nod. The latter is 3-7-1 with a 3.83 GAA and .885 SV%, but more rested and he has won three times in his past five appearances.

Rinne did not go to St. Louis for the All-Star festivities, so he is well rested, too. He is 16-10-3 with a 2.95 GAA and .899 SV% overall, but has alternated wins and losses in six January appearances, allowing three or fewer goals in four of those outings. He hasn’t faced Toronto this season, but he was 2-0-0 with a 0.00 GAA, 40 saves and two shutouts in his two appearances against the Leafs last season.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Maple Leafs at Predators: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Predators 3, Maple Leafs 1

Moneyline (ML)

The PREDATORS (-125) are very reasonably priced considering Rinne’s dominance of the Maple Leafs (+105) last season. The Leafs closed out the unofficial first half with just one win in their previous six before the All-Star break, and they’re 0-4 in the past four against the Western Conference, too.

A $10 bet on the Predators to win returns a profit of $8, while a $10 wager on the Maple Leafs results in a profit of $10.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The slight lean is to the PREDATORS (-1.5, +200) as you can double your money here. Expect Leafs All-Stars Andersen, Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews to be sluggish after competing in St. Louis over the weekend.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 6.5 (-154) is the way to go, as Rinne has dominated the Leafs in recent meetings. In addition, the series trends point in the direction of Under, hitting in four of the past five meetings overall, and five of the past seven in the Music City.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Winter Classic: Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Winter Classic between the Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Nashville Predators (18-14-6) and Dallas Stars (22-14-4) drop the puck at the Cotton Bowl in the annual Winter Classic at 2 p.m. ET Wednesday.

It seems weird for hockey, but it is outdoors, so we take a look at the weather forecast. The forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies, little chance of precipitation and temperatures in the mid-50’s.

We analyze the Predators-Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Predators at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Pekka Rinne vs. Ben Bishop

Rinne puts his 13-7-3 record on the line, and he has a 3.02 goals-against average and .894 save percentage. He lost his only previous start on home ice against the Stars back on Dec. 14, coughing up four goals on 22 shots.

Bishop has been outstanding with a 2.34 GAA and .926 save percentage. While the results of his hard work don’t exactly show in his win-loss record at 13-9-3, it’s mostly a lack of offensive support which has led to his mediocre ledger. He hasn’t faced the Preds this season, as Anton Khudobin took that start in the second end of a back-to-back Dec. 14.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Predators at Stars: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 8:05 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Stars 3, Predators 2

Moneyline (ML)

The STARS (-143) are a better play because they have the better netminder in the crease. This will be a lower-scoring game, and that’s when Bishop is at his best. Taking Dallas is going a bit against the grain, as the home team is just 3-8 SU in the previous 11 Winter Classic battles.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Don’t even think about the puck line. The Stars (-1.5, +190) are an intriguing play, but six of the 11 previous Winter Classics have resulted in one-goal games.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-134) is the play here. While ice technology has improved amazingly over the past couple of decades, as no one would ever have imagined an outdoor game in Texas … even in Winter. The ice will likely still be sticky, but the fact there is no snowfall or precipitation in the forecast will likely mean the ice is better than we have seen in previous games in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, etc. … Still, with two outstanding netminders, the goals will be at a premium. Eight of the previous 11 Winter Classics have seen a total of 5 or fewer goals.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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