The Devils dropped a game they’d like to have back yesterday, falling 5-3 to the Red Wings in Detroit after struggling to cash in on five power play opportunities.
A quick trip home to face the well-rested Islanders follows on Saturday, a team that has struggled to get shots on net and currently ranks dead last in the league in goals scored.
On the flip side, the Isles have been solid defensively, ranking bottom five in shots on net.
Ilya Sorokin has allowed just over a goal on average to go with a 1-1-1 win/loss record, so there’s a slight edge on the visitors before they return home on Sunday to face the Panthers.
Wins have proven hard to come by for two teams that currently sit 7th and 8th respectively in the Central Division.
Juuse Saros is slated to face off against Petr Mrazek in net, a matchup that likely favours a high-scoring game when you factor in both goalies have combined for a goal against average of close to 7.00.
This is also a tricky schedule spot for both teams with the Preds heading home on Sunday for a game against the Columbus, and the Blackhawks off to Dallas.
Nashville has won nine of its last 10 over Chicago, but with everything considered, a high-scoring game is the way I’m leaning here.