The Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators'meet in Game 3 of a best-of-7 Western Conference 1st-round series Friday. Puck drop from Bridgestone Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Canucks vs. Predators odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
Playoff series: Tied 1-1
The Predators might have deserved a better fate in Game 1. Nashville was leading 2-1 heading into the 3rd period, but allowed 2 goals in a 12-second span, eventually falling 4-2. The Predators were able to gain a split, though, picking up a 4-1 victory as an underdog (+110) in Game 2 as the Under (6) connected.
The Canucks were without starting goaltender Thatcher Demko for Game 2. He suffered an injury which is not believed to be related to the lower-body ailment that forced him out previously. However, coach Rick Tocchet said the All-Star goaltender is considered questionable for the remainder of the series. That meant Casey DeSmith was thrust back into action, and he suffered the loss in Game 2.