Nashville Predators vs Detroit Red Wings Picks and Predictions October 19th 2024

Red Wings, Predators feeling urgency after slow starts

As the Detroit Red Wings visit the Nashville Predators on Saturday, expect both teams to come out with a heightened sense of urgency. Despite it being just the fifth game of the season, both clubs are eager to avoid digging an early-season hole that could jeopardize their playoff aspirations.

The Red Wings hold the only win between these two teams this season, securing a 3-0 victory over the Predators in Nashville on October 12. However, with both Detroit and Nashville struggling in subsequent games, neither team can afford to let this slide continue.

Detroit Red Wings: Battling Early-Season Struggles

The Red Wings have been inconsistent through their first few outings, managing just one win, which came against Nashville. Since then, they’ve suffered back-to-back losses to the New York Rangers, being outscored 9-3 over two games.

Detroit’s goaltender, Cam Talbot, who was instrumental in their victory over Nashville with 42 saves, was pulled in the second period during a 5-2 loss on Thursday. Talbot allowed five goals before being replaced, and the Red Wings defense showed significant lapses.

Special Teams Woes

A major point of concern for Detroit has been their special teams. In Thursday’s loss to the Rangers, New York capitalized on three power plays, extending the game out of Detroit’s reach. Detroit’s own power play failed to convert on a 5-on-3 opportunity early in the game, which could have shifted momentum in their favor.

Coach Derek Lalonde did not mince words: “Special teams tonight, 100 percent special teams,” he said. “Their power-play goals turned the game. That’s where it got away from us.”

Leaky Defense

Defensively, the Red Wings have been porous, conceding 15 goals over their three losses. Their defensive unit, anchored by veteran Ben Chiarot, has been under heavy pressure early in the season. Chiarot acknowledged the tough competition they’ve faced but stressed that the team must improve quickly: “It’s good for us early in the season to play these top teams. It shows us where we need to get to.”

Lack of Offensive Production
Detroit’s struggles are not limited to defense. On the offensive side, key players like Patrick Kane and Lucas Raymond have been noticeably quiet. Kane has managed just one point (an assist) so far, while Raymond, who scored 31 goals last season, has yet to find the back of the net. This slow offensive start is magnifying the team’s other issues.

Despite these setbacks, Lalonde is keeping the bigger picture in mind. “Everything in the beginning of the season is magnified,” he said. “These stretches happen to every team, but we’re getting it early. It’s just a little frustrating in the way some of these games have played out.”

Nashville Predators: Searching for Their First Win

The Predators, meanwhile, are off to an even rougher start, going 0-4 through their first four games. Nashville has been outscored 18-8 and has struggled to find cohesion on both ends of the ice. The team’s captain, Roman Josi, acknowledged the need for urgency: “We’ve got to find a way,” he said. “Every little thing matters right now, and we’ve got to dig in harder.”

Offensive Challenges
One of the primary issues for Nashville has been their inability to generate consistent offense. So far, they’ve managed just eight goals, a worrying sign for a team with high expectations. The Predators have also lost three of their four games at home, making their upcoming contest with Detroit all the more critical.

In their most recent game, a 4-2 loss to Edmonton, newly signed free agent Jonathan Marchessault scored his first goal with the Predators. However, it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.

Marchessault highlighted the team’s struggles with confidence and expectations: “Right now, I think we’re a fragile group. The offseason hype was big, but we’ve got to prove we’re good enough by working harder than our opponents.”

Lessons from Last Season
The Predators may find solace in their experience from last season, when they started 5-10 but still managed to make the playoffs. While they hope not to repeat that kind of start, the knowledge that they can recover from adversity should provide some level of confidence as they attempt to secure their first win.

NHL Picks and Predictions

Key Issues for Both Teams

1. Defensive Lapses and Goaltending Woes: Both teams have struggled defensively. Detroit has allowed 15 goals in three games, while Nashville has given up 18 in four. Cam Talbot and Nashville’s netminder Juuse Saros will both need to elevate their games to help their teams snap out of these losing streaks.
2. Special Teams Play: Detroit’s failure to capitalize on their power-play opportunities and Nashville’s inefficiency on both the penalty kill and power play have been decisive factors in their slow starts. Special teams play could once again play a pivotal role in Saturday’s contest.
3. Offensive Output: Key offensive players for both teams have been underperforming. For Detroit, Kane and Raymond are yet to find their rhythm, while Nashville’s big offseason acquisition, Marchessault, is only just getting on the scoresheet. Improved offensive production will be essential for both teams to climb out of their respective slumps.

The Importance of a Win

With both teams feeling the pressure, Saturday’s game presents a critical opportunity. For Detroit, another win over Nashville could help them regain momentum and improve confidence. Meanwhile, Nashville is desperate for its first win of the season, especially on home ice where they’ve struggled.

In a competitive NHL, every game matters—especially when early-season losses can pile up and affect playoff positioning later on. Both teams know they need to course-correct quickly to avoid the risk of falling behind too early in the standings.

As Roman Josi said, “We’ve just got to dig in a little more,” and that sentiment rings true for both sides. Saturday’s matchup is more than just another early-season game—it’s a crucial moment for both teams to right the ship.