The Canucks will face the Predators in the playoffs for the second time in franchise history.
The Canucks will face the Predators in the playoffs for the second time in franchise history.
It is official, the Vancouver Canucks will face the Nashville Predators in the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. These two sides have only faced off once before, with Vancouver winning the 2011 series 4-2. During that series, Ryan Kesler led the Canucks with 11 points in six games, while Joel Ward was the top point producer for the Predators with eight points.
This season, Vancouver swept the three-game season series with Nashville, allowing just six goals while scoring 13. The Canucks also had a perfect penalty kill, going nine for nine against the Predators. While it is positive that Vancouver was able to win the season matchup, these two sides haven't faced off since Dec. 19 and will look different heading into this series.
When breaking down this series, two very intriguing matchups should help determine which team moves on to the second round. The first is in goal with Thatcher Demko and Juuse Saros. Both are considered top goaltenders in the NHL, with each cracking the 35-win mark this season. If both goaltenders can play up to their potential, it could be a low-scoring series, which puts added value on scoring the game's first goal.
The other matchup is on the blue line with Quinn Hughes and Roman Josi. They rank first and third in points by defencemen this year and are each projected to be finalists for the Norris Trophy. It is safe to say the two captains will have a significant impact on this series as each is expected to log 25+ minutes a night.
While the Canucks will be the favourite heading into this series, Nashville will not be an easy out. They have plenty of playoff experience and play a physical brand of hockey that can wear down opponents. That being said, if Vancouver can match that physicality, convert on the power play and carry leads into the third period, they should be able to win this series and advance to the second round for the first time since 2020.
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