Vancouver Canucks vs
Nashville PredatorsPredictions & Preview

Canucks and Predators Series Tied 1-1 Heading into Game 3 Amidst Intense Playoff Battle

The postseason is underway with a matchup between the second-seeded Vancouver Canucks and the seventh-seeded Nashville Predators. After splitting the first two games of the series, with Vancouver taking Game 1 and Nashville responding with a win in Game 2, the teams are now tied 1-1 heading into Game 3. Vancouver holds a slight edge in overall postseason matchups, with a 5-3 record against Nashville. Despite this, Nashville is currently the betting favorite to win the series, opening at -130 and holding steady at Nashville -106. The competition between these two teams promises to be intense as they battle for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Canucks -106 | Predators -106
• Spread: Canucks +1.5 (-259) | Predators -1.5 (+215)
• Total: Over/Under 5.75 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Nashville will win straight-up is 51%.

Vancouver vs Nashville Stats

Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver Canucks faced challenges in Game 2 as goaltender Thatcher Demko was unexpectedly out, leading to a loss where they struggled to score and were outplayed. Despite this setback, the team aims to regroup and steal back home ice advantage in the series. Vancouver ranks 11th in goals per game and tied for 7th in goals against, showcasing a balanced performance. However, they have yet to convert on power play opportunities in the playoffs and will need to improve in this area. In Game 2, they fell behind early and despite efforts to close the gap, ultimately could not overcome the deficit. Goaltender Casey DeSmith will again be in goal for the next game. Overall, Vancouver is ranked 10th in power rankings, featuring a strong offense and defense record this season. For betting opportunities, the best betting sites are recommended for potential earnings.

Nashville Predators Analysis

In Game 2 of the series, Nashville held Vancouver in check to even things up and now looks to make it two straight wins in this contest. The Predators hope to continue the momentum from their victory. Nashville is tied for 9th in the league in goals per game, averaging three goals per contest during the playoffs. They also have the 6th best defense, allowing an average of 2.50 goals per game in the postseason. The Predators have a 13th-ranked power play success rate of 12.5% and are tied for the league lead in penalty killing, successfully navigating through 100% of their shorthanded situations this postseason. In the previous game, Nashville took advantage of Vancouver's goalie switch, taking a 3-1 lead after 40 minutes and securing the win with a goal in the third period. Juuse Saros made 17 saves in the victory and is expected to start in goal again. Nashville has a power ranking of 6 and ranks #10 for offense, #13 for defense, and has an overall record of 48-31-5. Vancouver went 1-2-0 in their last 3 matchups against Nashville.

Canucks Face Uphill Battle as DeSmith Takes the Goalie Helm for Game 3

If Demko were healthy, the Canucks would likely be leading the series 2-0. However, due to his injury, Coach Rick Tocchet has confirmed that DeSmith will be starting in goal for the upcoming game. In the previous match, DeSmith struggled and allowed three goals on 15 shots before an empty net goal sealed the win for the opposition. Vancouver fell behind early and was unable to equalize throughout the remainder of the game. With a backup goaltender in net, the Canucks may need to adjust their offensive strategy and play more defensively. The Predators are poised to capitalize on the home crowd advantage and secure a victory in Game 3, potentially taking the series lead.

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