Demko’s Injury Fades Canucks’ Odds Against Preds
Nashville Favored Per Early Canucks vs Predators Picks For Game 3
The Western Conference first-round series between Vancouver and Nashville is even at one game apiece following the Predators’ 4-1 victory in Game 2. On Wednesday, the series shifts to Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
Nashville is a -1.5 (+205) favorite on the puck line and -118 on the moneyline with Vancouver +1.5 (-250) on the spread and -102 to win outright. The total is 6, with a slight edge to the under at -130. Bettors can get the over at +100.
What should bettors expect? Read on as we break down both teams and assess the Canucks vs Predators picks in our NHL playoff game preview.
Canucks vs Predators
Records: Vancouver Canucks (51-24-9), Nashville Predators (48-31-5)Â
Day/Time:
Location: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville
Streaming: TBS
Canucks vs Predators Betting Trends
The Vancouver Canucks are 42-42 against the puck line, including 20-21 away from home. A majority of the Canucks’ games have trended toward the over, as Vancouver is 43-38-3 against the over/under. Meanwhile, the Nashville Predators are 44-40 ATS, including 20-21 at home. As for the over/under, the Predators are 39-41-4.
Be sure to remember these betting trends when assessing the Canucks vs Predators picks.
Demko’s Injury Huge Blow
Vancouver will have to survive without Thatcher Demko. The Canucks’ No. 1 goalie missed Tuesday’s Game 2 as he deals with an injury that could potentially sideline him for the remainder of the first-round series. The nature of the issue has not been specified, but coach Rick Tocchet said the goaltender would be out week-to-week.
Demko dealt with a knee injury late in the regular season, sidelining him for 14 games. However, Tocchet indicated that Demko’s current injury is unrelated.
Demko was 35-14-2 with a 2.45-goals against average, .918 save percentage and five shutouts in 51 games. Despite concerns about his health, Demko stopped 22 of 24 shots in a 4-2 victory in Game 1. Casey DeSmith struggled in Demko’s absence, allowing three goals on 15 shots as Nashville evened the series on the NHL playoff schedule.
Vancouver’s resume is formidable, highlighted by a Pacific Division-leading 109 points (50-23-9) and a +56 goal differential. But the Canucks have seen their odds of winning the Western Conference shrink to +850 in the wake of Demko’s injury. They are also now +2000 to win the Stanley Cup, up from +1300 following Game 1.
The Canucks have fared well away from home, going 23-14-4 outright and 20-21 ATS. They will need to continue that success to regain an upper hand in Nashville. Bettors should keep that in mind when analyzing the Canucks vs Predators picks.
Preds Quick to Respond
After dropping to 0-4 against Vancouver this season, Nashville finally answered the call in Game 2. The Predators got off to a fast start, with Anthony Beauvillier scoring at 1:14 of the first.
With Demko out, the Predators have a sizeable edge in net with Juuse Saros. Saros posted a 2.86 GAA, .906 save percentage, and three shutouts in 64 regular-season games.
The Predators remain longshot contenders, though their Western Conference odds shortened from +2500 to +1300 following Game 1. They are also +3000 to win the Stanley Cup playoffs, the fifth-longest odds on the board.
Nashville has flashed high-end potential this season, specifically during the season’s second half. They had an 18-game point streak from Feb. 17 to April 15, outscoring opponents 106-71 during that stretch.
Nashville finished 47-30-5 with 99 points, tied for sixth-most in the West. It also had a plus-21 goal differential.
Handicapping the Game
The best-of-seven series now shifts to the Music City, where Nashville is 23-16-2 but just 20-21 ATS. The Predators have the comfort of knowing they will have a significant advantage in goal because of Demko’s injury. DeSmith struggled a bit during the regular season (2.89 GAA, .896 save percentage) and didn’t fare much better in Game 2, albeit on short notice.
Given how well Nashville played following the All-Star break, it’s reasonable to have confidence in the Predators moving forward.
Meanwhile, the outlook is less rosy for Vancouver. Its ability to win NHL games without its No. 1 goaltender will continue to be severely tested.
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