I mentioned this in my goal total pick for this game, but I expect the Predators to play with a lot of energy and effort after they suffered an embarrassing 6-3 loss to Calgary in their last home game. I expect the Preds to win this game comfortably.

The Ducks will be without superstar rookie Leo Carlsson, who is already one of the most exciting players in the NHL on the offensive end. Nashville has home ice advantage and I expect the Preds to put forth a much better defensive effort than they did in their 6-3 loss to Calgary in their last game at Bridgestone Arena. I expect this game to be a 3-1 or 4-1 type of game in Nashville's favor.

I expect a major bounce-back game for Nashville netminder Juuse Saros after he was rocked for five goals in his last start against Calgary. He rarely has consecutive poor outings at home. The Ducks average the fourth-fewest goals in the league and are without No. 2 overall pick Leo Carlsson (15 points) and fellow forward Max Jones (eight points). The Under is 4-1 in Anaheim's past five.