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Hockey is officially back and in full swing! With all 32 teams playing on this Tuesday night, the action out on the rink will be at a feverish pace! In this edition, the Vancouver Canucks will do battle with the Nashville Predators in what should be an intriguing bout! Join us for our NHL odds series where our Canucks-Predators prediction and pick will be made.
Most recently, the Vancouver Canucks were able to snap a two-game losing streak with a 5-3 win over the Eastern Conference reigning champs in the Florida Panthers. Overall, Vancouver is 3-2 through their first five games and are eager to prove that they can be a playoff team for the first time since the 2019-2020 season.
Meanwhile, the Predators got off to a slower start than what they would've liked but certainly look like the threat they could be after dominating the Rangers and Sharks in their last two games by a combined score of 9-2. This is a well-balanced squad overall, and “Smashville” is rejoicing that their exciting team is back out on the ice for another season of play.
Here are the NHL Odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NHL Odds: Canucks vs. Predators Odds
Vancouver Canucks: +1.5 (-230)
Nashville Predators: -1.5 (+188)
Over: 6.5 (+100)
Under: 6.5 (-122)
How to Watch Canucks vs. Predators
Time: 9:25 ET/6:25 PT
TV: ESPN+
Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)
Why The Canucks Will Cover The Spread/Win
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Already proving they have what it takes to win in a convincing fashion out on the road, the question is whether or not they can do it again in back-to-back games. When taking a look at this team from a year ago, Vancouver did happen to have a 19-17-5 record on the road, and more wins than losses in that department for the second consecutive year could drastically improve their chances of clinching a berth at a playoff spot.
More specifically, in regards to finding a way to cover the spread and ultimately win later tonight against the Predators, it will be goaltender Thatcher Demko to prove to his doubters that he is up for the task of shutting down Nashville. In the small sample size in net up to this point, Demko has patrolled the crease rather nicely en route to a .910 save percentage and has so far compiled a 2-2-1 record in five career appearances versus the Predators. Simply put, the one-two punch of Demko and fellow goalie Casey DeSmith will most likely be a formidable pairing in Vancouver's pursuit to tally some victories in the win column this year.
Most importantly, the Canucks must make an effort to continue getting center Elias Pettersson involved early and often. In impressive fashion, the Vancouver captain already had combined for ten points on the season which ranks tied for third in all of hockey, and is well on his way to having one of his best seasons to date.
Why The Predators Will Cover The Spread/Win
On the other side of things, the Nashville Predators are eyeing their third straight win and seem to finally be shaking the early season rust off their shoulders. Projected to be inside the cage in this one will be Juuse Saros who is 3-3 on the season but is fresh off of saving 31 of 32 shots in the statement victory over the San Jose Sharks on Saturday. While the offense has been the biggest reason for the recent success, don't be sleeping on Suros and his sheer ability to put his body on the line in critical moments.
Clearly, the recipe for success in this one as a whole for Nashville is to find a way to put shots up on goal at a feverish rate. While it remains to be seen whether or not Demko will be up to the challenge of stopping every puck in his wake or not, the Predators will be able to capitalize on their scoring opportunities if they can find open lanes to shoot the puck. Indeed, playing unselfish hockey and looking for the open man on the attack will ultimately give the ‘Preds more than enough chances to find the back of the net.
To conclude, left-winger Filip Forsberg is once again on a mission to be one of the top forwards to play the game and he has certainly looked the part thus far. With five points (4 assists and one goal) through six games, Forsberg has been increasingly willing to share the wealth offensively and get his teammates involved which is as dangerous as can be for opposing teams.
Final Canucks-Predators Prediction & Pick
Both sides are coming off impressive showings, but only one team will be standing by the time the clock hits triple zeroes. If the previous two games are any indication of what Nashville will bring to the table later this evening, then they will end up being extremely difficult to slow down on both ends of the ice.
Final Canucks-Predators Prediction & Pick: Predators -1.5 (+188)
