NHL Playoffs First Round Preview: Predators Look to Keep Scorching, Upset Canucks

(Photo : (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)) NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 19: Quinn Hughes #43 of the Vancouver Canucks takes a shot on purpose with Tyson Barrie #22 of the Nashville Predators and Luke Schenn #2 of the Nashville Predators defending at Bridgestone Arena on December 19, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Vancouver Canucks received the sport 5-2.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are set to start, and there are a number of high-profile matchups on faucet for probably the most thrilling postseason in skilled sports activities, together with the Pacific Division champion Vancouver Canucks taking over the wild card qualifying Nashville Predators.

Over the following two months, we’ll slim the taking part in area down from 8 qualifying groups in every convention to only one left standing to hoist the Stanley Cup.

After a drama-filled race to the end line of the common season, the matchups are set, and it is time to break them down and provides a collection prediction.

The Canucks used a ferocious begin to the season to construct up a large lead that they might not relinquish within the Pacific.

The Predators began gradual, however received scorching sizzling in February and March to say their spot.

NHL First Round Series Preview: Nashville Predators vs. Vancouver Canucks

This is an thrilling matchup between two franchises that frequently made the playoffs within the 2010s, however are each having their greatest 12 months in current historical past on the similar time.

Both groups can rating and play thrilling types, so this collection must be an excellent one to observe, however which group has the sting?

The Canucks are available in as a whole group, with Elias Petterson at middle, Quinn Hughes on protection, and Thatcher Demko in purpose surrounded by a strong supporting solid. The mixture of high-end expertise and high quality depth that Vancouver possesses make them a tricky out for anyone on this event.

Nashville, alternatively, is led by scoring winger Filip Forsberg, all-world defenseman Roman Josi, and Juuse Saros between the pipes. Like Vancouver, the Preds have items like middle Ryan O’Reilly and a resurgent Gustav Nyquist to complement their stars.

NHL First Round Series Preview: Predators and Canucks Evenly Matched on Paper

Both groups look very strong below the hood, because the Canucks are fourth and the Predators sixth in 5-on-5 anticipated objectives share for the reason that calendar turned to 2024.

These groups each rightfully really feel nice about the place they’re at, and this collection sort of appears like a toss-up, which is a praise to the Predators and never an insult to the Canucks.

While all the consideration within the West goes to Dallas, Vegas, Edmonton, and Colorado, each of those groups are proper there with them proper now.

The Predators have extra expertise in playoff environments, they usually is perhaps taking part in a bit looser with decrease expectations because the wild card group.

Either goalie may win this collection for his group, however assuming Demko and Saros each play at a strong to good degree, I really just like the upset on this collection.

Look for Josi and Forsberg to offer the Canucks suits, and whereas Vancouver’s high line is nice, it has been susceptible to chilly spells at instances this 12 months. A quiet two video games from the highest Canucks may spell doom.