Vancouver Canucks Round 1, Game 3 Preview: Canucks Set To Face A Hostile Crowd As Series Shifts To Nashville

Adam Kierszenblat

Apr 26, 2024, 07:01

Adam Kierszenblat

Apr 26, 2024, 07:01

The Vancouver Canucks head to Nashville tied 1-1 in their first-round series with the Predators.

After a deflating loss in Game 2, the Vancouver Canucks will look to take a 2-1 lead against the Nashville Predators as the series shifts to Bridgestone Arena. The Canucks have never lost a postseason game in Nashville, outscoring the Predators 9-5 in their three previous matchups. Based on historical data, teams leading 2-1 in a series win 69% of the time, showing just how valuable this Game 3 is for both teams.

With the series switching to Nashville, Vancouver will lose some of their ability to match up on faceoffs. While Elias Lindholm's line did a great job of shutting down Ryan O'Reilly and his winger, Andrew Brunette may try to get his star players away from the Canucks third line as the Predators will now have last change. Even though Vancouver will be at a disadvantage, their top players will need to fight through the matchups and produce if they want to leave with a victory.

Lastly, this game provides an excellent opportunity for Casey DeSmith to show he can carry this Canucks team through the playoffs. DeSmith had a challenging Game 2 but should be able to bounce back now that he has had proper time to prepare for the game. It won't be an easy task, but one DeSmith has to be ready for if Vancouver is going to advance past the first round.

Player to Watch

Nils Höglander

It has been a tough start to the postseason for Nils Höglander. He is averaging 9:28 through his first two games and has yet to record a shot on goal. If Höglander wants to stay in the top six, he will need to register some form of offensive production; otherwise, he could find himself stapled to the bench in Game 3

Jason Zucker

Jason Zucker has been productive through the first two games of this series. He has a point in both games and has contributed with five hits. Currently playing beside Anthony Beauvillier and Colton Sissons, Zucker has already shown in this series he can make the most of his opportunities in the offensive zone without risking his overall defensive play.

Canucks Projected Lineup

Suter-Miller-Boeser

Mikheyev-Pettersson-Höglander

Joshua-Lindholm-Garland

Di Giuseppe-Blueger-Lafferty

Hughes- Hronek

Soucy- Myers

Zadorov- Cole

DeSmith

Šilovs

Predators Projected Lines

Forsberg- O'Reilly- Nyquist