NHL Over/Under Lines: It’s Betting Time!

Mar 23, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber (6) celebrates with teammates after their game against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. The Predators won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Nashville Predators

Over/Under: 79 1/2 points

Bet: Over (-115)

We start in the Music City with the Predators and an incredibly low line of 79 1/2 points.  Nashville missed the playoffs again last year but finished the season with 88 points in the loaded Western Conference.  They fired longtime coach Barry Trotz and brought in offensive-minded Peter Laviolette to help the attack.  The Predators finished tied for 18th in the league in goal scoring last year, but its top point-getter came from the blue line in stud Shea Weber.

That spurred Nashville to revamp the offense.  They traded longtime Predator Patric Hornqvist and youngster Nick Spaling for former 40-goal scorer James Neal.  They brought in centers Derek Roy, Olli Jokinen, and Mike Ribeiro in the hopes that one of them can find the fountain of youth and bring top-two quality minutes.  Plus the underrated Craig Smith figures to improve this season as well.

Beyond the offense, they still are back-stopped by Pekka Rinne, who, barring health, is among the game’s best.  The defense should be improved with the criminally underrated Roman Josi back there, along with Seth Jones who figures to see his game improve with a full season under his belt.  Oh yeah, and that Shea Weber character.  He’s still pretty good.

Somehow Bovada sees this team dropping 10 points off last year.  Barring a crazy run of injuries (and we can say that about most teams), the Predators will blow past the 79 1/2 number with ease.  Get in on this action before Bovada smartens up and raises the line by six points.