Canucks Gameday #17: Lankinen & Sherwood Look For Revenge Against The Predators

For the first time since the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Vancouver Canucks (9-4-3) will battle the Nashville Predators (5-10-3). Last season, Vancouver knocked Nashville out of the postseason in what was a tight six-game first-round series. Sunday night will also be the first time two former Predators face off against their old team, as Kevin Lankinen and Kiefer Sherwood will look for some revenge in the form of a Canucks win. 

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While Nashville has struggled this season and is currently 0-1-2 in its last three, it has plenty of offensive threats that can put the puck in the net. It is more of a when, not an if, that they will get going, as there is too much talent on the roster to finish last in the NHL. While Vancouver will be playing tired as they are on the second leg of a back-to-back, the Canucks need to forecheck hard and match the Predators speed if they want to go two for two this weekend. 

Players to Watch:

Kevin Lankinen:

Goaltending is always crucial, but especially on a back-to-back. Like he has all season, Lankinen will be relied upon to make some big saves and calm the game down if Vancouver can't find its legs early. With a record of 3-0 this season after a loss, Lankinen will be looking to continue that trend as he faces his old team. 

Luke Evangelista:

Luke Evangelista has a bright future in the NHL. The 22-year-old has three points in four regular season games versus the Canucks, and while he didn't score, he was able to generate scoring chances last year in the postseason. While he may not draw the same attention that Steven Stamkos or Roman Josi do, Evangelista is a threat whenever he is in the offensive zone. 

Vancouver Canucks Projected Lineup:

Suter-Miller-Lekkerimäki
DeBrusk-Pettersson-Sherwood
Joshua-Blueger-Garland
Heinen-Räty-Höglander

Hughes-Hronek
Soucy-Myers
Brännström-Juulsen

Lankinen
Šilovs

Top 5 Scoring Leaders (Goals, Assists, Points):

Vancouver Canucks (9-4-3):

Quinn Hughes: 3-14-17
J.T. Miller: 6-10-16
Conor Garland: 4-8-12
Brock Boeser: 6-5-11
Elias Pettersson: 5-5-10

Nashville Predators (5-10-3):

Filip Forsberg: 8-5-13
Roman Josi: 1-11-12
Ryan O'Reilly: 3-7-10
Jonathan Marchessault: 3-6-9
 Gustav Nyquist: 5-3-8

Game Information:

Start Time: 7:00 PM PT
Venue: Rogers Arena
Television: Sportsnet
Radio: Sportsnet 650