Nashville at Minnesota

Nashville is a strong all-around team with a winning record on the road. The defense is seventh in goals allowed with their specialty units both in the top 10. The Predators are 11-2 playing on three or more days rest, plus 5-1 against a team with a winning record. They face a Minnesota team that is not stellar on defense at #20 in goals allowed and #24 in penalty killing. Minnesota is without third-line right winger Justin Fontaine, out four to six weeks. Rookie center Tyler Graovac will also be out about six weeks after undergoing surgery for a core muscle repair. Devan Dubnyk is in net, giving up at least three goals in six of his nine starts. Minnesota has lost three straight at home to Nashville while surrendering 16 goals and the road team is 6-0 in the last six meetings between these division rivals. Take Nashville.