The Vancouver Canucks will take on the Nashville Predators in the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

For the first time since 2015, the Vancouver Canucks will play an NHL playoff game in Vancouver. The Canucks first-round opponent will be the Nashville Predators in the second postseason meeting between these two franchises. After winning the Pacific Division, Vancouver comes into this series as the favourite and will be looking for a similar outcome to 2011, when the Canucks defeated the Predators in six games. 

Series Schedule:

Game 1: Sunday, April 21, 7:00 pm PT @ Rogers Arena

Game 2: Tuesday, April 23, 7:00 pm PT @ Rogers Arena

Game 3: Friday, April 26, 4:30 pm PT @ Bridgestone Arena

Game 4: Sunday, April 28, 2:00 pm PT @ Bridgestone Arena

*Game 5: Tuesday, April 30, TBD @ Rogers Arena

*Game 6: Friday, May 3, TBD @ Bridgestone Arena

*Game 7, Sunday, May 5, TBD @ Rogers Arena

Season Series:

Vancouver Canucks: 3-0-0-0
Nashville Predators: 0-3-0-0

October 24, 2023- Vancouver Canucks 3 @ Nashville Predators 2
October 31, 2023- Nashville Predators 2 @ Vancouver Canucks 5
December 19, 2023- Vancouver Canucks 5 @ Nashville Predators 2

Season Series Leaders: 

Vancouver Canucks:

Skaters Stats:

1) Quinn Hughes: 3 GP, 0 G, 6 A, 6 P 
2) Elias Pettersson: 3 GP, 4 G, 1 A, 5 P
3)  Ilya Mikheyev: 3 GP, 1 G, 3 A, 4 P
4) Filip Hronek: 3 GP, 0 G, 3 A, 3 P
5) Nils Höglander: 3 GP, 2 G, 0 A, 2 P

Goaltending Stats:

1) Thatcher Demko: 2 GP, 2-0, .915 SV%, 2.00 GAA
2) Casey DeSmith: 1 GP, 1-0, .929 SV%, 2.00 GAA

Nashville Predators:

Skaters Stats:

1) Colton Sissons: 3 GP, 2 G, 0 A, 2 P
2) Tommy Novak: 3 GP, 0 G, 2 A, 2 P
3) Kiefer Sherwood: 2 GP, 1 G, 0 A, 1 P
4) Cody Glass: 1 GP, 1 G, 0 A, 1 P
5) Dante Fabbro: 2 GP, 1 G, 0 A, 1 P

Goaltending Stats:

1) Kevin Lankinen: 2 GP, 0-1, .892 SV%, 3.07 GAA
2) Juuse Saros: 2 GP, 0-2, .833 SV%, 4.81 GAA

Forwards

Based on the rosters, Vancouver has the edge when it comes to forward depth. While Filip Forsberg's 48 goals were the most by any player in the series, he was the only player in Nashville to surpass the 30-goal mark this season. As for Vancouver, they boast three 30-goal scorers in Brock Boeser, J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson, who all also surpassed the 70-point mark this season. While the Predators do have players who can generate offence in their top six, like Gustav Nyquist and Ryan O'Reilly, the Canucks top six feature more high-profile point producers. 

As for the bottom six, this is where Vancouver needs to exploit weaker matchups. The trio of Conor Garland, Elias Lindholm and Dakota Joshua are going to play a massive role for the Canucks as they can change momentum in games. If this third line can win their matchup and contribute to the scoresheet consistently, it should be enough for Vancouver to walk away with the series win. 

Lastly, one forward to keep an eye on for Nashville is Tommy Novak. Currently, the Predators third-line center, Novak, provided Nashville with solid depth scoring, contributing 18 goals and 45 points this season. A contributor at both even strength and on the power play, his speed and mobility may cause problems for the Canucks throughout the series. 

Defence

One of the most intriguing parts of this series will be the battle of Quinn Hughes and Roman Josi. Both are among the best defenders in the NHL and are projected to play over 25 minutes a night. Based on their deployment this season, the series may very well come down to which captain can outplay the other and lead their team to the second round. 

As for the rest of the defensive group, Vancouver has more depth and is overall more mobile. Players like Tyler Myers and Nikita Zadorov aren't afraid to join the rush, while Filip Hronek has shown how dangerous he can be when he loads up for a one-timer. If the Canucks can clog up the middle of the ice and keep their defensive structure in tack, they should be able to frustrate Nashville enough to create chances the other way. 

One defender on the Predators to watch will be Jeremy Lauzon. A hitting machine, he set a new NHL single-season record with 383 hits this year. Vancouver must keep their heads up when he is on the ice to avoid a massive hit from the NHL's hit kind. 

Goaltenders

This series could be determined by goaltending. Both Thatcher Demko and Juuse Saros are elite goaltenders with the ability to stand on their heads and steal games. High shot volume and traffic in front of the net will be keys for both teams in what could be a low-scoring series. 

Special Teams

For the Canucks to win this series, they must convert on the power play. The good news is they have been generating more chances over the last ten games and should be able to take advantage of a Nashville penalty kill that did struggle near the end of the season. Based on how the first round is officiated, there should be plenty of opportunities for both teams to cash in with the man advantage. 

As for the penalty kill, this is where Vancouver needs to play their best hockey. Since Lindholm's return to the lineup, the Canucks have gone perfect on the penalty kill and look more aggressive overall. If the Canucks can get sticks in passing lanes and win board battles for loose pucks, they should be able to continue their success on the penalty kill into their first-round series. 

Overall, this has the potential to be a physical series where the most minor mistakes have massive impacts. Rick Tocchet and Andrew Brunette will have their work cut out for them as they try to lead their team to the second round. All this being said, Vancouver should be able to win this matchup as they look for their first non-bubble series win since 2011. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

EA Sports Predicts The Vancouver Canucks Will Win The 2024 Stanley Cup

THN Awards: Canucks Littered In End Of Season Awards

Breaking Down The Vancouver Canucks 2023-24 Regular Season

Schedule Released For The Canucks 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round Matchup Against The Nashville Predators

Canucks Fans Beware, Getting Tickets In Nashville Could Be A Problem

Canucks Sign Vasily Podkolzin To An Extension

Dakota Joshua Breaks Down How To Play An Effective Physical Game

Vancouver Canucks Draw The Nashville Predators As Their First Round Opponent In The 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Canucks Finding Success At Every Level Of Professional Hockey

Quinn Hughes Receives Canucks Nomination For The 2023-24 King Clancy Trophy