Okay, nobody freak out, but Vancouver Canucks playoff hockey is back today. And we have two plays for tonight’s game and a series future below! Soak in tonight’s games Canucks fans, it’s been a while.
Today’s expected goaltender matchups for our highlighted game:
The Nashville Predators’ Juuse Saros (34-24-5). vs. The Vancouver Canucks’ Thatcher Demko (35-14-2).
Vancouver Canucks Moneyline (-150)
It’s the first home playoff game in Rogers Arena since 2015; the energy in the building and around the city is too electric not to bet on them to win in game one.
Vancouver has handled their business against Nashville this season as they swept the season series. Here is how all three games went in the regular season:
Oct. 24th – Vancouver 3 @ Nashville 2
Oct. 31st – Nashville 2 @ Vancouver 5
Dec. 19th – Vancouver 2 @ Vancouver 5
Vancouver has their knight in shining pads back, as Thatcher Demko is primed and ready for a lengthy playoff run. Let’s hope we see similar numbers to the bubble run, when he had a 0.64 goals against average and a .985 save percentage over four games.
Quinn Hughes Point (-150)
A $15.00 bet would return $25.00.
I don’t have to explain much to Canucks fans when talking about how vital Quinn Hughes’ offence has been to the team’s success this season.
Hughes has 11 points in six of his last 10 games. This season, he has points in 63% of his home games, with 51 of his 92 points in Rogers Arena. Against the Predators, Hughes is on a six-game point streak, totalling 11 points — including points in all three games against Nashville this season, totalling six.
Coming into the playoffs, Nashville is allowing the 13th most goals against, averaging 3.3 per game over their last 10. Nashville has allowed 13 goals in their three games played against Vancouver this season.
Bonus Series Bet: Vancouver Canucks Series Handicap -1.5 (+135)
A $10.00 bet would return $23.50.
As I mentioned before, the Canucks swept the season series 3-0 against the Predators this season. Home ice advantage is huge for this Canucks team and in this series. Vancouver has the fourth-best home record on the year compared to Nashville’s 18th-ranked home record. Nashville has the eighth-best road record on the road, but Vancouver is hot on their tail at 9th.
Outside of the Predators’ top line, they really struggle with their depth scoring, which is an essential part of the game for Stanley Cup contenders. That, and the depth down the middle of the ice, is what gives Vancouver a clear edge in my eyes.
Defensively, it’s much closer. While Hughes has been the best defenceman in the league this season, Roman Josi should also receive Norris-trophy votes.
There’s not much to say about Vancouver’s goaltending. Demko’s back and had two solid performances in his return as he ramped up his workload before the playoffs. Juuse Saros, on the other hand, is having the worst statistical season of his career. He also may not have much tread on the tires, as he’s played the most games and has faced the most shots against in the league this season of any starting goalie.
With the clear offensive and goaltending edge, I think the Canucks can handle business and wrap this series up before game seven.
Last Game Recap:
Brad Marchand Point – WON – (+$7.27)
David Pastrnak Over 4.5 Shots on Goal – LOSS – (-$10.00)
T̶h̶e̶ R̶a̶t̶ Brad Marchand nabbed two assists on two Jake DeBrusk powerplay goals as the Boston Bruins went on to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-1. With them leading for most of the game, they only mustered up 24 total shots on goal.
All-Time Record: 8-11 (-$50.78)
