The Vancouver Canucks take a 2-1 series lead thanks to a 2-1 Game 3 win over the Nashville Predators.
The Vancouver Canucks defence bent but didn't break as they defeated the Nashville Predators 2-1 in Game 3. Vancouver received power play goals from J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser, while Casey DeSmith stopped 29 of 30 shots for his first career playoffs win. With the win, the Canucks take a 2-1 series lead and are now a perfect 4-0 in the playoffs at Bridgestone Arena.
Vancouver's win can be credited to their work on special teams. The Canucks went two for three on the power play while killing five penalties, which included a brief 21-second five on three. While it wasn't the prettiest win, Vancouver made the most of the opportunities, leading to the victory.
The Canucks should also be commended for their willingness to block shots. Vancouver finished the night with 29, while 15 players finished with at least one. Overall, Vancouver's players showed they are willing to put their bodies on the line and put forth a defensive effort that they should be proud of.
Lastly, DeSmith deserves full credit for his 29-save performance. He was sturdy in the net and was able to direct rebounds away from dangerous areas. After a challenging Game 2 performance, he bounced back and showed that he is capable of backstopping the Canucks to playoff victories.
Quotes
J.T. Miller on the play of Casey DeSmith:
"He was very important for us today. These are going to be two hard road games for us, and for him to obviously step in and come up with a performance like that so timely is really big for our group. We always talk about how much confidence we have in him, and he showed today why when he gets his chance, he belongs in there. I'm very happy for him."
J.T. Miller on the penalty kill:
"The second half of the year, I haven't been on as much. I've gone for a draw or two but those guys who are getting the call regularly are doing an unbelievable job for us. They take so much pride in that area of the rink, and it's nice to see after the last couple of years how much our penalty kill kind of failed and let us down sometimes; it is nice to see the hard work these guys are putting in, the buy-in, the shot blocks. They have their pairs, and they have their chemistry; it's awesome. We need that so bad. In years prior, they get that power play in the third and you know they are scoring. It's a terrible feeling, but I am super happy for them, and we are going to need them moving forward. They are doing a great job for us.
Brock Boeser on the Canucks shot blocking:
"I think it's just showing our willingness to win the game. I think it's a buy-in from everyone. We need guys sacrificing when they get those looks to block some shots. We had some big blocks tonight. It shows a lot of effort from the guys, and it means a lot to our team.
Rick Tocchet on Casey DeSmith not panicking heading into this game:
"I think it's his personality. I think he's not an uptight guy. He always has a smile on his face. I think it's infectious. When he comes in, even if he has had a tough day or things don't go his way, he comes in, spends hours or whatever with Clarkie on the ice and never complains. His demeanour is just great for that role. I think he was just locked in. So I would say his personality keeps him kind of even keel."
Rick Tocchet on his team's penalty kill:
"I think our clears have immensely improved. We got some good clears in the series, especially tonight. That's been a problem all year, but I think if you're gonna get that puck down, that's 20, 30 seconds, and that helps us, so that's one of them. I think, for the most part, you know, PK was pretty good tonight."
Facts and Stats
- Quinn Hughes becomes the seventh defenseman in NHL history to record at least 20 points through his first 20 playoff games.
- The Canucks have killed now off 12 straight Predators power plays
- Vancouver's 12 shots on goal sets a new franchise record for the lowest in a playoff game
- The Canucks improve to 13-25 all-time in Game 3's
Scoring Summary
1st Period
VAN: 13:23- J.T. Miller (1st) from Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson (PPG)
2nd Period
VAN: 4:33- Brock Boeser (1st) from J.T. Miller and Quinn Hughes
3rd Period
NSH: 16:48- Luke Evangelista (1st Career Playoff Goal) from Jason Zucker and Alexandre Carrier
Game 4: Sunday, April 28 @ 2:00 pm PT from Bridgestone Arena
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